2&#39;-chloro aminopyrimidinone and pyrimidine dione nucleosides

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are formulations, methods and substituted 2′-chloro aminopyrimidinone and pyrimidine dione compounds of Formula (I) for treating Pneumovirinae virus infections, including respiratory syncytial virus infections, as well as methods and intermediates for synthesis of substituted 2′-chloro aminopyrimidinone and pyrimidine dione compounds.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/040,349, filed on Aug. 21, 2014, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein are substituted 2′-chloro aminopyrimidinone andpyrimidine dione compounds, methods and pharmaceutical formulations fortreating Pneumovirinae virus infections, particularly includingrespiratory syncytial virus infections, and methods and intermediatesuseful for preparing the compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pneumovirinae viruses are negative-sense, single-stranded, RNA virusesthat are responsible for many prevalent human and animal diseases. ThePneumovirinae sub-family of viruses is a part of the familyParamyxoviridae and includes human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV).Almost all children will have had an HRSV infection by their secondbirthday. HRSV is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infectionsin infancy and childhood with 0.5% to 2% of those infected requiringhospitalization. The elderly and adults with chronic heart, lung diseaseor those that are immunosuppressed also have a high risk for developingsevere HRSV disease (http://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html). No vaccine toprevent HRSV infection is currently available. The monoclonal antibodypalivizumab is available for immunoprophylaxis, but its use isrestricted to infants at high risk, e.g., premature infants or thosewith either congenital heart or lung disease, and the cost for generaluse is often prohibitive. In addition, nucleoside analog ribavirin hasbeen approved as the only antiviral agent to treat HRSV infections buthas limited efficacy. Therefore, there is a need for anti-Pneumovirinaetherapeutics.

Examples of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine compounds useful for treating viralinfections are described in U.S. 2012/0009147 A1 (Cho et al.), U.S.2012/0020921 A1 (Cho et al.), WO 2008/089105 A2 (Babu et al.), WO2008/141079 A1 (Babu et al.), WO 2009/132135 A1 (Butler et al.), WO2010/002877 A2 (Francom), WO 2011/035231 A1 (Cho et al.), WO 2011/035250A1 (Butler et al.), WO 2011/150288 A1 (Cho et al.), WO 2012/012465 (Choet al.), WO 2012/012776 A1 (Mackman et al.), WO 2012/037038 (Clarke etal.), WO 2012/087596 A1 (Delaney et al.), and WO 2012/142075 A1(Girijavallabhan et al.).

There remains a need for new antiviral agents useful in treatingParamyxoviridae viral infections, including Pneumovirinae viralinfections, such as HRSV infections, that are effective and haveacceptable toxicity profiles.

SUMMARY

Provided are compounds, methods, and pharmaceutical formulations for thetreatment of infections caused by the Pneumovirinae virus family,including treatment of infections caused by human respiratory syncytialvirus.

Provided is a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof:

-   wherein:-   R¹ is selected from NH and N;-   the dashed line (    ), in conjunction with the solid line to which it is parallel,    represents an optional double bond;-   R² is selected from oxo or NH₂, with the proviso that, when R² is    oxo, R¹ is NH and the bond represented by the dashed line (    ), in conjunction with the solid line to which it is parallel, is a    single bond; and with the proviso that, when R² is NH₂, R¹ is N and    the bond represented by the dashed line (    ), in conjunction with the solid line to which it is parallel, is a    double bond;-   R³ is selected from the group of H, F, CH₂F, CHF₂, and CF₃;-   R⁵ is selected from the group of CN, unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl,    C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted with 1, 2, or 3 halogens, C₁-C₄ alkyl    substituted with 1 substituent selected from —S—CH₃ and —O—CH₃,    C₂-C₄ alkenyl, C₂-C₄ alkynyl, unsubstituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆    cycloalkyl substituted by 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from F    and CH₃;-   R^(4′) is selected from the group of H, —C(═O)R⁶, —C(═O)OR⁶, and    —C(═O)NR⁶R⁷;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group of H, —C(═O)R⁶, —C(═O)OR⁶, and        —C(═O)NR⁶R⁷;    -   or        -   a) R⁴ is a group of the formula:

-   -   wherein:    -   each Y is O, S, NR, ⁺N(O)(R), N(OR), ⁺N(O)(OR), or N—NR₂; and    -   W¹ and W², when taken together, are —Y³(C(R^(y))₂)₃Y³—;    -   or one of W¹ or W² together with R^(4′) is —Y³— and the other of        W¹ or W² is Formula Ia;    -   or W¹ and W² are each, independently, a group of the Formula Ia:

-   -   wherein:    -   each Y¹ is, independently, O, S, NR, ⁺N(O)(R), N(OR), ⁺N(O)(OR),        or N—NR₂;    -   each Y² is independently a bond, O, CR₂, —O—CR₂—, NR, ⁺N(O)(R),        N(OR), ⁺N(O)(OR), N—NR₂, S, S—S, S(O), or S(O)₂;    -   each Y³ is a single bond;    -   M1 is 0, 1, 2, or 3;    -   each R^(x) is independently R^(y) or the formula:

-   -   wherein:    -   each M2a, M2b, and M2c is independently 0 or 1;    -   M2d is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12;    -   each R^(y) is independently H, F, Cl, Br, I, OH, R, —C(═Y¹)R,        —C(═Y¹)OR, —C(═Y¹)N(R)₂, —N(R)₂, —⁺N(R)₃, —SR, —S(O)R, —S(O)₂R,        —S(O)(OR), —S(O)₂(OR), —OC(═Y¹)R, —OC(═Y¹)OR, —OC(═Y¹)(N(R)₂),        —SC(═Y¹)R, —SC(═Y¹)OR, —SC(═Y¹)(N(R)₂), —N(R)C(═Y¹)R,        —N(R)C(═Y¹)OR, —N(R)C(═Y¹)N(R)₂, —SO₂NR₂, —CN, —N₃, —NO₂, —OR,        or W³;    -   or when taken together, two R^(y) on the same carbon atom form a        carbocyclic ring having 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 carbon ring atoms;    -   or when taken together, two R^(y) on the same carbon atom form        along with the carbon atom a heterocycle having 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7        ring atoms wherein one ring atom is selected from O or N and all        other ring atoms are carbon;    -   each R is independently H, (C₁-C₈) alkyl, (C₁-C₈) substituted        alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl, (C₂-C₈) substituted alkenyl, (C₂-C₈)        alkynyl, (C₂-C₈) substituted alkynyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀        substituted aryl, a 3- to 10-membered heterocycle, a substituted        3- to 10-membered heterocycle, a 5- to 12-membered heteroaryl, a        substituted 5- to 12-membered heteroaryl, arylalkyl, substituted        arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, or substituted heteroarylalkyl; and    -   W³ is W⁴ or W⁵;    -   W⁴ is R, —C(Y¹)R^(y), —C(Y¹)W⁵, —SO₂R^(y), or —SO₂W⁵;    -   W⁵ is selected from phenyl, naphthyl, a C₃-C₈ carbocycle, or a        3- to 10-membered heterocycle, wherein W⁵ is independently        substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 R^(y) groups;    -   each R⁶ and R⁷ is independently H, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl,        (C₂-C₈)alkynyl, (C₄-C₈)carbocyclylalkyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀        substituted aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, substituted 5-        to 10-membered heteroaryl, —C(═O)(C₁-C₈)alkyl,        —S(O)_(n)(C₁-C₈)alkyl or aryl(C₁-C₈)alkyl;    -   or R⁶ and R⁷ taken together with a nitrogen to which they are        both attached form a 3- to 7- membered heterocycle wherein any        one ring carbon atom of said heterocycle can optionally be        replaced with —O—, —S— or —NR^(a)—;    -   and wherein each (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl, (0₂-C₈)alkynyl or        aryl(C₁-C₈)alkyl of each R⁶ or R⁷ is, independently, optionally        substituted with one, two, three, or four substituents selected        from halo, hydroxy, CN, N₃, N(R^(a))₂ or OR^(a); and wherein        one, two, or three of the non-terminal carbon atoms of each said        (C₁-C₈)alkyl may be optionally replaced with —O—, —S— or        —NR^(a)—; or    -   b) R⁴ is a group selected from:

-   wherein:    -   R⁸ is selected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl,

-   -   R⁹ is selected from H and CH₃;    -   R¹⁰ is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;    -   R^(10′) is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;    -   or R¹⁰ and R¹⁰′, together with the carbon atom to which they are        bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-membered spirocycle wherein all        ring atoms of the spirocycle are carbon;    -   or R¹⁰ and R¹⁰′, together with the carbon atom to which they are        bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-membered spirocycle wherein 1 or        2 of the ring atoms of the spirocycle are selected from the        group of O, S, and N, and all other ring atoms of the spirocycle        are carbon;    -   R¹¹ is selected from H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl,        —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, —CH₂CH₂—S—C(O)—C₃-C₆ alkyl,

-   -   R^(7′) is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, —O—C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl,        —O-benzyl, —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and CF₃; or        -   c) R⁴ and R^(4′) combine to form the structure selected            from:

-   and R^(a) in each appearance is independently selected from H and    C₁-C₆ alkyl, two adjacent R^(A) in the group —N(R_(a))₂ can together    form a 4-, 5-, or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 0 or 1    additional ring heteroatom selected from O or N.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided is a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof:

-   wherein:-   R¹ is selected from NH and N;-   the dashed line (    ), in conjunction with the solid line to which it is parallel,    represents an optional double bond;-   R² is selected from oxo or NH₂, with the proviso that, when R² is    oxo, R¹ is NH and the bond represented by the dashed line (    ), in conjunction with the solid line to which it is parallel, is a    single bond; and with the proviso that, when R² is NH₂, R¹ is N and    the bond represented by the dashed line (    ), in conjunction with the solid line to which it is parallel, is a    double bond;-   R³ is selected from the group of H, F, CH₂F, CHF₂, and CF₃;-   R⁵ is selected from the group of CN, unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl,    C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted with 1, 2, or 3 halogens, C₁-C₄ alkyl    substituted with 1 substituent selected from —S—CH₃ and —O—CH₃,    C₂-C₄ alkenyl, C₂-C₄ alkynyl, unsubstituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆    cycloalkyl substituted by 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from F    and CH₃;-   R^(4′) is selected from the group of H, —C(═O)R⁶, —C(═O)OR⁶, and    —C(═O)NR⁶R⁷;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group of H, —C(═O)R⁶, —C(═O)OR⁶, and        —C(═O)NR⁶R⁷;    -   or        -   b) R⁴ is a group of the formula:

-   -   wherein:    -   each Y is O, S, NR, ⁺N(O)(R), N(OR), ⁺N(O)(OR), or N—NR₂; and    -   W¹ and W², when taken together, are —Y³(C(R^(y))₂)₃Y³—;    -   or one of W¹ or W² together with R^(4′) is —Y³— and the other of        W¹ or W² is Formula Ia;    -   or W¹ and W² are each, independently, a group of the Formula Ia:

-   -   wherein:    -   each Y¹ is, independently, O, S, NR, ⁺N(O)(R), N(OR), ⁺N(O)(OR),        or N—NR₂;    -   each Y² is independently a bond, O, CR₂, —O—CR₂—, NR, ⁺N(O)(R),        N(OR), ⁺N(O)(OR), N—NR₂, S, S—S, S(O), or S(O)₂;    -   each Y³ is a single bond;    -   M1 is 0, 1, 2, or 3;    -   each R^(x) is independently R^(y) or the formula:

-   -   wherein:    -   each M2a, M2b, and M2c is independently 0 or 1;    -   M2d is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12;    -   each R^(y) is independently H, F, Cl, Br, I, OH, R, —C(═Y¹)R,        —C(═Y¹)OR, —C(═Y¹)N(R)₂, —N(R)₂, —⁺N(R)₃, —SR, —S(O)R, —S(O)₂R,        —S(O)(OR), —S(O)₂(OR), —OC(═Y¹)R, —OC(═Y¹)OR, —OC(═Y¹)(N(R)₂),        —SC(═Y¹)R, —SC(═Y¹)OR, —SC(═Y¹)(N(R)₂), —N(R)C(═Y¹)R,        —N(R)C(═Y¹)OR, —N(R)C(═Y¹)N(R)₂, —SO₂NR₂, —CN, —N₃, —NO₂, —OR,        or W³;    -   or when taken together, two R^(y) on the same carbon atom form a        carbocyclic ring having 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 carbon ring atoms;    -   or when taken together, two R^(y) on the same carbon atom form        along with the carbon atom a heterocycle having 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7        ring atoms wherein one ring atom is selected from O or N and all        other ring atoms are carbon;    -   each R is independently H, (C₁-C₈) alkyl, (C₁-C₈) substituted        alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl, (C₂-C₈) substituted alkenyl, (C₂-C₈)        alkynyl, (C₂-C₈) substituted alkynyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀        substituted aryl, a 3- to 10-membered heterocycle, a substituted        3- to 10-membered heterocycle, a 5- to 12-membered heteroaryl, a        substituted 5- to 12-membered heteroaryl, arylalkyl, substituted        arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, or substituted heteroarylalkyl; and    -   W³ is W⁴ or W⁵;    -   W⁴ is R, —C(Y¹)R^(y), —C(Y¹)W⁵, —SO₂R^(y), or —SO₂W⁵;    -   W⁵ is selected from phenyl, naphthyl, a C₃-C₈ carbocycle, or a        3- to 10-membered heterocycle, wherein W⁵ is independently        substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 R^(y) groups;    -   each R⁶ and R⁷ is independently H, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl,        (C₂-C₈)alkynyl, (C₄-C₈)carbocyclylalkyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀        substituted aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, substituted 5-        to 10-membered heteroaryl, —C(═O)(C₁-C₈)alkyl,        —S(O)n(C₁-C₈)alkyl or aryl(C₁-C₈)alkyl;    -   or R⁶ and R⁷ taken together with a nitrogen to which they are        both attached form a 3- to 7- membered heterocycle wherein any        one ring carbon atom of said heterocycle can optionally be        replaced with —O— or —S—;    -   and wherein each (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl, (0₂-C₈)alkynyl or        aryl(C₁-C₈)alkyl of each R⁶ or R⁷ is, independently, optionally        substituted with one, two, three, or four substituents selected        from halo, hydroxy, CN, or N₃; and wherein one, two, or three of        the non-terminal carbon atoms of each said (C₁-C₈)alkyl may be        optionally replaced with —O— or —S—; or        -   b) R⁴ is a group selected from:

-   wherein:    -   R⁸ is selected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl,

-   -   R⁹ is selected from H and CH₃;    -   R¹⁰ is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;    -   R^(10′) is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;    -   or R¹⁰ and R¹⁰′, together with the carbon atom to which they are        bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-membered spirocycle wherein all        ring atoms of the spirocycle are carbon;    -   or R¹⁰ and R¹⁰′, together with the carbon atom to which they are        bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-membered spirocycle wherein 1 or        2 of the ring atoms of the spirocycle are selected from the        group of O, S, and N, and all other ring atoms of the spirocycle        are carbon;    -   R¹¹ is selected from H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl,        —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, —CH₂CH₂—S—C(O)—C₃-C₆ alkyl,

-   -   R^(7′) is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, —O—C₁-0₈ alkyl, benzyl,        —O-benzyl, —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and CF₃; or    -   d) R⁴ and R^(4′) combine to form the structure selected from:

Also provided are two separate embodiments comprising a compound ofFormula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and acompound of Formula III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

wherein, in each embodiment R³, R⁴, R^(4′), and R⁵ are as defined forFormula (I), above. Also provided are two separate embodimentscomprising a compound of Formula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, and a compound of Formula III, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein, in each embodiment R³, R⁴, and R⁵ areas defined for Formula (I), above, and R^(4′) is hydrogen.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising a compound of FormulaI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, Formula II, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein in each embodiment R⁵is selected from the group of CN, unsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkyl, C₁-C₃ alkylsubstituted with 1, 2, or 3 halogens selected from F and Cl, C₁-C₃ alkylsubstituted with 1 substituent selected from —S—CH₃ and —O—CH₃, C₂-C₃alkenyl, C₂-C₃ alkynyl, unsubstituted C₃-C₅ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₅ cycloalkylsubstituted by 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from F and CH₃; and,when present, R^(a), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R^(4′), R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹⁰′,R¹¹, Y, Y¹, Y², Y³, W¹, W², W³, W⁴, W⁵, M1, M2a, M2b, M2c, M2d, R^(x),and R^(y) are as defined above for Formula (I). Within each of theseembodiments, there is a further embodiment wherein R⁵ is as justdefined, R³ is hydrogen, and , R^(a), R¹, R², R⁴, R^(4′), R⁶, R⁷, R⁸,R⁹, R¹⁰, R^(10′), R¹¹, Y, Y¹, Y², Y³, W¹, W², W³, W⁴, W⁵, M1, M2a, M2b,M2c, M2d, R^(x), and R^(y) are as defined above for Formula (I). Withineach of these embodiments, there is a further embodiment wherein R⁵ isas just defined, R³ is F, and, R^(a), R¹, R², R⁴, R^(4′), R⁶, R⁷, R⁸,R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹⁰′, R¹¹, Y, Y¹, Y², Y³, W¹, W², W³, W⁴, W⁵, M1, M2a, M2b,M2c, M2d, R^(x), and R^(y) are as defined above for Formula (I). Withineach of these embodiments for a compound of Formula II, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or of Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is also a furtherembodiment wherein R^(4′) and R⁵ are as just defined, and R³ and R⁴ areeach hydrogen. Within each of these embodiments for a compound ofFormula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or of FormulaIII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is also afurther embodiment wherein R⁵ are as just defined, and R³, R⁴, andR^(4′) are each hydrogen. Within each of these embodiments for acompound of Formula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,or of Formula III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, thereis also a further embodiment wherein R⁵ is as just defined, and R³ is F,and R⁴ is hydrogen. Within each of these embodiments for a compound ofFormula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or of FormulaIII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is also afurther embodiment wherein R⁵ is as just defined, and R³ is F, R⁴ ishydrogen, and R^(4′) is hydrogen.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising a compound of FormulaI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, Formula II, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein in each embodiment R⁵is selected from the group of CN, unsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkyl, C₁-C₃ alkylsubstituted with 1, 2, or 3 halogens selected from F and Cl, C₁-C₃ alkylsubstituted with 1 substituent selected from —S—CH₃ and —O—CH₃, C₂-C₃alkenyl, C₂-C₃ alkynyl, unsubstituted C₃-C₄cycloalkyl, C₃-C₄ cycloalkylsubstituted by 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from F and CH₃; and,when present, R^(a), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁴, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹⁰′, R¹¹,Y, Y¹, Y², Y³, W¹, W², W³, W⁴, W⁵, M1, M2a, M2b, M2c, M2d, R^(x), andR^(y) are as defined above for Formula (I). Within each of theseembodiments, there is a further embodiment wherein R⁵ is as justdefined, R³ is hydrogen, and , R^(a), R¹, R², R⁴, R⁴, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹,R¹⁰, R¹⁰′, R¹¹, Y, Y¹, Y², Y³, W¹, W², W³, W⁴, W⁵, M1, M2a, M2b, M2c,M2d, R^(x), and R^(y) are as defined above for Formula (I). Within eachof these embodiments, there is a further embodiment wherein R⁵ is asjust defined, R³ is F, and, R^(a), R¹, R², R⁴, R⁴, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰,R¹⁰′, R¹¹, Y, Y¹, Y², Y³, W¹, W², W³, W⁴, W⁵, M1, M2a, M2b, M2c, M2d,R^(x), and R^(y) are as defined above for Formula (I). Within each ofthese embodiments for a compound of Formula II, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, or of Formula III, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, there is also a further embodiment wherein R⁵is as just defined, and R³ and R⁴ are each hydrogen. Within each ofthese embodiments for a compound of Formula II, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, or of Formula III, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, there is also a further embodiment wherein R⁵are as just defined, and R³, R⁴, and R^(4′) are each hydrogen. Withineach of these embodiments for a compound of Formula II, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or of Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is also a furtherembodiment wherein R⁵ is as just defined, and R³ is F, and R⁴ ishydrogen. Within each of these embodiments for a compound of Formula II,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or of Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is also a furtherembodiment wherein R⁵ is as just defined, and R³ is F, R⁴ is hydrogen,and R^(4′) is hydrogen.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising a compound of FormulaI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, Formula II, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein in each embodiment R⁵is selected from the group of CN, unsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkyl, C₁-C₃ alkylsubstituted with 1, 2, or 3 halogens selected from F and Cl, C₁-C₃ alkylsubstituted with 1 substituent selected from —S—CH₃ and —O—CH₃, vinyl,ethynyl, unsubstituted cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl substituted by 1 or 2substituents selected from F and CH₃; and, when present, R^(a), R¹, R²,R³, R⁴, R⁴, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R^(10′), R¹¹, Y, Y¹, Y², Y³, W¹, W²,W³, W⁴, W⁶, M1, M2a, M2b, M2c, M2d, R^(x), and R^(y) are as definedabove for Formula (I). Within each of these embodiments, there is afurther embodiment wherein R⁵ is as just defined, R³ is hydrogen, and ,R^(a), R¹, R², R⁴, R⁴, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R^(10′), R¹¹, Y, Y¹, Y², Y³,W¹, W², W³, W⁴, W⁵, M1 , M2a, M2b, M2c, M2d, R^(x), and R^(y) are asdefined above for Formula (I). Within each of these embodiments, thereis a further embodiment wherein R⁵ is as just defined, R³ is F, and ,R^(a), _(R) ¹, R², R⁴, R⁴, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹⁰′, R¹¹, Y, Y¹, Y²,Y³, W¹, W², W³, W⁴, W⁵, M1, M2a, M2b, M2c, M2d, R^(x), and R^(y) are asdefined above for Formula (I). Within each of these embodiments for acompound of Formula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,or of Formula III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, thereis also a further embodiment wherein R⁵ is as just defined, and R³ andR⁴ are each hydrogen. Within each of these embodiments for a compound ofFormula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or of FormulaIII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is also afurther embodiment wherein R⁵ are as just defined, and R³, R⁴, andR^(4′) are each hydrogen. Within each of these embodiments for acompound of Formula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,or of Formula III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, thereis also a further embodiment wherein R⁵ is as just defined, and R³ is F,and R⁴ is hydrogen. Within each of these embodiments for a compound ofFormula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or of FormulaIII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is also afurther embodiment wherein R⁵ is as just defined, and R³ is F, R⁴ ishydrogen, and R^(4′) is hydrogen.

Also provided are two embodiments comprising, respectively, a compoundof Formula (II), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and acompound of Formula (III), or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, wherein, in each separate embodiment:

-   R³ is selected from the group of H and F;-   R⁵ is selected from the group of CN, methyl, ethyl, propyl, vinyl,    propenyl, ethynyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CH₂Cl, CH₂SMe, —CH₂OMe, and    cyclopropyl; and-   R⁴ and R^(4′) are as defined above for Formula I.

Also provided are two embodiments comprising, respectively, a compoundof Formula (II), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and acompound of Formula (III), or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, wherein, in each separate embodiment:

-   R³ is selected from the group of H and F;-   R⁵ is selected from the group of CN, methyl, ethyl, propyl, vinyl,    propenyl, ethynyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CH₂Cl, CH₂SMe, —CH₂OMe, and    cyclopropyl;-   R⁴ as defined above for Formula I; and-   R^(4′) is hydrogen.

Also provided are two embodiments comprising, respectively, a compoundof Formula (II), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and acompound of Formula (III), or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, wherein, in each separate embodiment:

-   R³ is selected from the group of H and F;-   R⁵ is selected from the group of CN, methyl, ethyl, propyl, vinyl,    propenyl, ethynyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CH₂Cl, CH₂SMe, —CH₂OMe, and    cyclopropyl;-   R⁴ is H; and-   R^(4′) is hydrogen.

Within each of the groups and embodiments described herein for acompound of Formula I, Formula II, and Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is a further embodimentwherein R¹, R², R³, R^(4′), and R⁵ are as defined for the individualgroup or embodiment and R⁴ is selected from:

-   wherein:    -   n′ is selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4;    -   R⁷ is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, —O—C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl,        —O-benzyl, —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, —O—CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and        CF₃;    -   R^(7′) is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, —O—C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl,        —O-benzyl, —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and CF₃;    -   R⁸ is selected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl,

-   -   R⁹ is selected from H and CH₃;    -   R¹⁰ is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;    -   R^(10′) is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;    -   or R¹⁰ and R^(10′), together with the carbon atom to which they        are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-membered spirocycle wherein        all ring atoms of the spirocycle are carbon;    -   or R¹⁰ and R^(10′), together with the carbon atom to which they        are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-membered spirocycle wherein 1        or 2 of the ring atoms of the spirocycle are selected from the        group of O, S, and N, and all other ring atoms of the spirocycle        are carbon; and    -   R¹¹ is selected from H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl,        and —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

Within each of the groups and embodiments described herein for acompound of Formula I, Formula II, and Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is a further embodimentwherein R¹, R², R³, R^(4′), and R⁵ are as defined for the individualgroup or embodiment and R⁴ is selected from:

-   wherein:    -   R⁷ is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, —O—C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, and        —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl;    -   R^(7′) is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, —O—C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl,        —O-benzyl, —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and CF₃;    -   R¹⁰ is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;    -   R^(10′) is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;    -   or R¹⁰ and R^(10′), together with the carbon atom to which they        are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-membered spirocycle wherein        all ring atoms of the spirocycle are carbon;    -   or R¹⁰ and R^(10′), together with the carbon atom to which they        are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-membered spirocycle wherein 1        or 2 of the ring atoms of the spirocycle are selected from the        group of O, S, and N, and all other ring atoms of the spirocycle        are carbon; and    -   R¹¹ is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and        —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

Also provided are two embodiments comprising, respectively, a compoundof Formula (II), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and acompound of Formula (III), or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, wherein, in each separate embodiment:

-   R³ is selected from the group of H and F;-   R^(4′) is hydrogen;-   R⁵ is selected from the group of CN, methyl, ethyl, propyl, vinyl,    propenyl, ethynyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CH₂Cl, CH₂SMe, —CH₂OMe, and    cyclopropyl; and-   R⁴ is selected from the group of:

-   wherein:    -   R⁷ is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, —O—C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, and        —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; and    -   R¹¹ is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and        —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

Within each of the groups and embodiments described herein for acompound of Formula I, Formula II, and Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is a further embodimentwherein R¹, R², R³, R^(4′), and R⁵ are as defined for the individualgroup or embodiment and R⁴ is selected from:

Within each of the groups and embodiments described herein for acompound of Formula I, Formula II, and Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is a further embodimentwherein R¹, R², R³, R^(4′), and R⁵ are as defined for the individualgroup or embodiment and R⁴ is a group of the formula:

Within each of the groups and embodiments described herein for acompound of Formula I, Formula II, and Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is a further embodimentwherein R¹, R², R³, R^(4′), and R⁵ are as defined for the individualgroup or embodiment and R⁴ is a group of the formula:

Within each of the groups and embodiments described herein for acompound of Formula I, Formula II, and Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is a further embodimentwherein R¹, R², R³, R^(4′), and R⁵ are as defined for the individualgroup or embodiment and R⁴ is a group of the formula:

Within each of the groups and embodiments described herein for acompound of Formula I, Formula II, and Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is a further embodimentwherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁵ are as defined for the individual group orembodiment and R⁴ and R^(4′) combine to form the structure:

-   and R¹¹ is selected from H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl,    —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl,

Within each of the groups and embodiments described herein for acompound of Formula I, Formula II, and Formula III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, there is a further embodimentwherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁵ are as defined for the individual group orembodiment and R⁴ and R^(4′) combine to form the structure:

wherein R⁹ is selected from H and CH₃; R¹⁰ is selected from H or C₁-C₆alkyl; R^(10′) is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl; and R¹¹ is selectedfrom H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and —CH₂-C₃-C₆cycloalkyl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms halo and halogen refer to halogen atoms selected from F, Cl,Br, and I.

-   “Azido” refers to an azide group, i.e. the group —N₃. The term “n”    as used herein refers to an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,    8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.

The term “haloalkyl” as used herein refers to an alkyl as definedherein, wherein one or more hydrogen atoms are each replaced by a halosubstituent. For example, a (C₁-C₆)haloalkyl is a (C₁-C₆)alkyl whereinone or more of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a halosubstituent. Such a range includes one halo substituent on the alkylgroup t to complete halogenation of the alkyl group.

The term “(C_(1-n))haloalkyl” as used herein, wherein n is an integer,either alone or in combination with another radical, is intended to meanan alkyl radical having 1 to n carbon atoms as defined above wherein oneor more hydrogen atoms are each replaced by a halo substituent. Examplesof (C_(1-n))haloalkyl, wherein n is 2 include, but are not limited to,chloromethyl, chloroethyl, dichloroethyl, bromomethyl, bromoethyl,dibromoethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, fluoroethyland difluoroethyl. Such groups may also be described based on therelevant halogen as “(C_(1-n))chloroalkyl”, “(C_(1-n))bromoalkyl”, or“(C_(1-n))fluoroalkyl groups”.

The term “(C_(1-n))alkyl” as used herein, wherein n is an integer,either alone or in combination with another radical, is intended to meanacyclic, straight or branched chain alkyl radicals containing from 1 ton carbon atoms. “(C₁₋₈)alkyl” includes, but is not limited to, methyl,ethyl, propyl (n-propyl), butyl (n-butyl), 1-methylethyl (iso-propyl),1-methylpropyl (sec-butyl), 2-methylpropyl (iso-butyl),1,1-dimethylethyl (tent-butyl), pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, and octyl. Theabbreviation Me denotes a methyl group; Et denotes an ethyl group, Prdenotes a propyl group, iPr denotes a 1-methylethyl group, Bu denotes abutyl group and tBu denotes a 1,1-dimethylethyl group.

The term “alkyl” refers to a hydrocarbon containing normal, secondary,or tertiary atoms. For example, an alkyl group can have 1 to 20 carbonatoms (i.e, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl), 1 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e., (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl),1 to 8 carbon atoms (i.e., (C₁-C₈)alkyl)or 1 to 6 carbon atoms (i.e.,(C₁-C₆ alkyl). Examples of suitable alkyl groups include, but are notlimited to, methyl (Me, —CH₃), ethyl (Et, —CH₂CH₃), 1-propyl (n-Pr,n-propyl, —CH₂CH₂CH₃), 2-propyl (i-Pr, i-propyl, —CH(CH₃)₂), 1-butyl(n-Bu, n-butyl, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 2-methyl-1-propyl (i-Bu, i-butyl,—CH₂CH(CH₃)₂), 2-butyl (s-Bu, s-butyl, —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃),2-methyl-2-propyl (t-Bu, t-butyl, —C(CH₃)₃), 1-pentyl (n-pentyl,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 2-pentyl (—CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₃), 3-pentyl(—CH(CH₂CH₃)₂), 2-methyl-2-butyl (—C(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₃), 3-methyl-2-butyl(—CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)₂), 3-methyl-1-butyl (—CH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂), 2-methyl-1-butyl(—CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃), 1-hexyl (—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 2-hexyl(—CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 3-hexyl (—CH(CH₂CH₃)(CH₂CH₂CH₃)),2-methyl-2-pentyl (—C(CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 3-methyl-2-pentyl(—CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃), 4-methyl-2-pentyl (—CH(CH₃)CH₂CH(CH₃)₂),3-methyl-3-pentyl (—C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₃)₂), 2-methyl-3-pentyl(—CH(CH₂CH₃)CH(CH₃)₂), 2,3-dimethyl-2-butyl (—C(CH₃)₂CH(CH₃)₂),3,3-dimethyl-2-butyl (—CH(CH₃)C(CH₃)₃, and octyl (—(CH₂)₇CH₃). “Alkyl”also refers to a saturated, branched or straight chain hydrocarbonradical having two monovalent radical centers derived by the removal oftwo hydrogen atoms from the same or two different carbon atoms of aparent alkane. For example, an alkyl group can have 1 to 10 carbon atoms(i.e., (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl), or 1 to 6 carbon atoms (i.e., (C₁-C₆)alkyl) or1-3 carbon atoms (i.e., (C₁-C₃)alkyl). Typical alkyl radicals include,but are not limited to, methylene (—CH₂—), 1,1-ethyl (—CH(CH₃)—),1,2-ethyl (—CH₂CH₂—), 1,1-propyl (—CH(CH₂CH₃)—), 1,2-propyl(—CH₂CH(CH₃)—), 1,3-propyl (—CH₂CH₂CH₂—), 1,4-butyl (—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—),and the like.

“Alkenyl” is a straight or branched hydrocarbon containing normal,secondary or tertiary carbon atoms with at least one site ofunsaturation, i.e. a carbon-carbon, sp² double bond. For example, analkenyl group can have 2 to 20 carbon atoms (i.e., C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl), 2 to8 carbon atoms (i.e., C₂-C₈ alkenyl), or 2 to 6 carbon atoms (i.e.,C₂-C₆ alkenyl). Examples of suitable alkenyl groups include, but are notlimited to, ethylene or vinyl (—CH═CH₂), allyl (—CH₂CH═CH₂),cyclopentenyl (—C₅H₇), and 5-hexenyl (—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH═CH₂).

The term “(C_(2-n))alkenyl”, as used herein, wherein n is an integer,either alone or in combination with another radical, is intended to meanan unsaturated, acyclic straight or branched chain radical containingtwo to n carbon atoms, at least two of which are bonded to each other bya double bond. Examples of such radicals include, but are not limitedto, ethenyl (vinyl), 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, and 1-butenyl. Unlessspecified otherwise, the term “(C_(2-n))alkenyl” is understood toencompass individual stereoisomers where possible, including but notlimited to (E) and (Z) isomers, and mixtures thereof. When a(C_(2-n))alkenyl group is substituted, it is understood to besubstituted on any carbon atom thereof which would otherwise bear ahydrogen atom, unless specified otherwise, such that the substitutionwould give rise to a chemically stable compound, such as are recognizedby those skilled in the art.

“Alkynyl” is a straight or branched hydrocarbon containing normal,secondary or tertiary carbon atoms with at least one site ofunsaturation, i.e. a carbon-carbon, sp² triple bond. For example, analkynyl group can have 2 to 20 carbon atoms (i.e., C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl), 2 to8 carbon atoms (i.e., C₂-C₈ alkyne,), or 2 to 6 carbon atoms (i.e.,C₂-C₆ alkynyl). Examples of suitable alkynyl groups include, but are notlimited to, acetylenic (—C═CH), propargyl (—CH₂C═CH), and the like.

The term “(C_(2-n))alkynyl”, as used herein, wherein n is an integer,either alone or in combination with another radical, is intended to meanan unsaturated, acyclic straight or branched chain radical containingtwo to n carbon atoms, at least two of which are bonded to each other bya triple bond. Examples of such radicals in which n is 4 include, butare not limited to, ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, and 1-butynyl. Whena (C_(2-n))alkynyl group is substituted, it is understood to besubstituted on any carbon atom thereof which would otherwise bear ahydrogen atom, unless specified otherwise, such that the substitutionwould give rise to a chemically stable compound, such as are recognizedby those skilled in the art. The term “aryl” as used herein refers to asingle aromatic ring or a bicyclic or multicyclic ring. For example, anaryl group can have 6 to 20 carbon atoms, 6 to 14 carbon atoms, or 6 to12 carbon atoms. Aryl includes a phenyl radical or an ortho-fusedbicyclic or multicyclic radical having about 9 to 14 atoms in which atleast one ring is aromatic (e.g. an aryl fused to one or more aryl orcarbocycle). Such bicyclic or multicyclic rings may be optionallysubstituted with one or more (e.g. 1, 2 or 3) oxo groups on anycarbocycle portion of the bicyclic or multicyclic ring. It is to beunderstood that the point of attachment of a bicyclic or multicyclicradical, as defined above, can be at any position of the ring includingan aryl or a carbocycle portion of the ring. Typical aryl groupsinclude, but are not limited to, phenyl, indenyl, naphthyl, 1, 2, 3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl, anthracenyl, and the like.

Substituents on “substituted alkyl”, “substituted alkenyl”, and“substituted alkynyl” groups includes those selected from the group ofhalogens (F, Cl, Br, and I), OH, SH, NH₂, NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆alkyl)₂, NO₂, CN, —O—C₁-C₆ alkyl, and CF₃. In one embodiment, for“substituted alkyl” of from either 1 to 6 carbon atoms or 1 to 8 carbonatoms and for “substituted alkenyl” and “substituted alkynyl” groups offrom 2 to 6 carbon atoms or from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, each may besubstituted by 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 substituents independently selected fromF, Cl, Br, I, OH, SH, NH₂, NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, NO₂, CN,—O—C₁-C₆ alkyl, and CF₃. In another embodiment, for “substituted alkyl”of from either 1 to 3 carbon atoms or 1 to 4 carbon atoms and for“substituted alkenyl” and “substituted alkynyl” groups of from 2 to 3carbon atoms or from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, each may be substituted by 0,1, 2, or 3 substituents independently selected from F, Cl, Br, I, OH,SH, NH₂, NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, NO₂, CN, —O—C₁-C₆ alkyl, andCF₃.

“Aryl” includes an aromatic hydrocarbon monocyclic or bicyclic ringhaving fromsix to 10 ring carbon atoms, including phenyl and naphthylrings. Substituted aryl groups include an aromatic hydrocarbonmonocyclic or bicyclic ring having from six to 10 ring carbon atoms,including phenyl and naphthyl rings, including 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthylrings, as well as a carbocyclic aromatic monocyclic group containing 6carbon atoms which may be further fused to a second 5- or 6-memberedcarbocyclic group which may be aromatic, saturated or unsaturated,including indanyl, indenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl and dihydronaphthylrings, with .each of the aryl rings being substituted by 0, 1, 2, or 3substituents independently selected from halogen, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NH₂,—NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and —CF₃

“Arylalkyl” refers to an alkyl radical as defined herein in which one ofthe hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom is replaced with an arylradical as described herein (i.e., an aryl-alkyl-moiety). The alkylgroup of the “arylalkyl” is typically 1 to 6 carbon atoms (i.e.aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl). Arylalkyl groups include, but are not limited to,benzyl, 2-phenylethan-1-yl, 1-phenylpropan-1-yl, naphthylmethyl,2-naphthylethan-1-yl and the like.

The term “aryl-(C_(1-n))alkyl-” as used herein, wherein n is an integer,either alone or in combination with another radical, is intended to meanan alkyl radical having 1 to n carbon atoms as defined above which isitself substituted with an aryl radical as defined above. Examples ofaryl-(C_(1-n))alkyl- include, but are not limited to, phenylmethyl(benzyl), 1-phenylethyl, 2-phenylethyl and phenylpropyl. When anaryl-(C_(1-n))alkyl- group is substituted, it is understood thatsubstituents may be attached to either the aryl or the alkyl portionthereof or both, unless specified otherwise, such that the substitutionwould give rise to a chemically stable compound, such as are recognizedby those skilled in the art.

Examples of “arylalkyl” used herein refer to a moiety of the formula—(CH₂)_(q)—Y, wherein q is an integer selected independently in eachinstance from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, and “Y” is a phenyl or naphthyl ring,each substituted by 0, 1, 2, or 3 substituents independently selectedfrom halogen, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂,C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and —CF₃.

The terms “heterocycle” and “heterocyclic” are synonymous and refers tomonocyclic and fused bicyclic, saturated or partially unsaturated ringshaving, unless otherwise indicated, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 ringatoms wherein 1, 2, 3, or 4 ring atoms is/are a heteroatom independentlyselected from N, O and S and all remaining ring atoms are C. In oneembodiment, the heterocyclic group has 5, 6, 9 or 10 rings atoms wherein1, 2 or 3 ring atoms is/are a heteroatom independently selected from N,O and S. In all embodiments wherein the heterocyclic group includes 2 ormore heteroatoms (N, O and S) the heteroatoms may be the same ordifferent. In all embodiments wherein the compound of Formula I includes2 or more heterocyclic groups, the heterocyclic groups may be the sameor different. Examples of heterocyclic groups include but are notlimited to oxiranyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, thietanyl, furanyl,tetrahydrofuranyl, thiophenyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, sulfur oxidizedtetrahydrothiophenyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, dioxolanyl,oxazolidinyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, imidazolyl,imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl,triazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyranyl, dihydropyranyl, tetrahydropyranyl,pyridyl, dihydropyridyl, piperidyl, dioxanyl, morpholinyl, dithianyl,thiomorpholinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, piperazinyl,triazinyl, indolizinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, oxindolyl, indolinyl,benzofuranyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, benzothienyl,indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolinyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl,benzthiazolyl, benzotriazolyl, benzopyranyl, purinyl, quinolizinyl,quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl,tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl,cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, naphthyridinyl,pteridinyl, thianaphthalenyl and the like. Heterocyclic groups may bebound through any available ring carbon or ring heteroatom, such as N.Each “Heterocyclic group”, “heterocyclic ring” or “heterocycle” may besubstituted by 0, 1, 2, or 3 substituents independently selected fromhalogen, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and —CF₃.

The term cycloalkyl refers to a cyclic aliphatic group. The cycloallkylgroups herein may be referenced by the number of carbon atoms in theirring, such as “C₃-C₄ cycloalkyl” referring to a cycloalkyl ring with 3or 4 carbon ring atoms or “C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl” indicating a cycloalkylring with 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon ring atoms, i.e. a cyclopropyl,cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl ring.

The term “carbocycle” or “carbocyclyl” refers to a saturated (i.e.,cycloalkyl) or partially unsaturated (e.g., cycloalkenyl,cycloalkadienyl, etc.) ring having 3 to 8 carbon atoms as a monocycle ora mutlicyclic ring system. In one embodiment the carbocycle is amonocycle comprising 3-6 ring carbons (i.e. (C₃-C₆)carbocycle).Carbocycle includes multicyclic carbocyles having 7 to 12 carbon atomsas a bicycle, and up to about 20 carbon atoms as a polycycle providedthat the largest single ring of a multicyclic carbocycle is 7 carbonatoms. The term “spiro-bicyclic carbocycle” refers to a carbocyclebicyclic ring system wherein the rings of the bicyclic ring system areconnected to a single carbon atom (e.g. spiropentane, spiro[4,5]decane,spiro[4.5]decane, etc). The term “fused-bicyclic carbocycle” refers to acarbocycle bicyclic ring system wherein the rings of the bicyclic ringsystem are connected to two adjacent carbon atoms such as a bicyclo[4,5], [5,5], [5,6] or [6,6] system, or 9 or 10 ring atoms arranged as abicyclo [5,6] or [6,6] system (e.g. decahydronaphthalene, norsabinane,norcarane). The term “bridged-bicyclic carbocycle” refers to acarbocycle bicyclic ring system wherein the rings of the bicyclic ringsystem are connected to two non-adjacent carbon (e.g. norbornane,bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, etc). The “carbocycle” or “carbocyclyl” may beoptionally substituted with one or more (e.g. 1, 2 or 3) oxo groups.Non-limiting examples of monocyclic carbocycles include cyclopropyl,cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, 1-cyclopent-1-enyl, 1-cyclopent-2-enyl,1-cyclopent-3-enyl, cyclohexyl, 1-cyclohex-1-enyl, 1-cyclohex-2-enyl,1-cyclohex-3-enyl, cyclohexa-1,3-dienyl, cycloheptanyl, cycloheptenyl,cyclohepta-1,3-dienyl, cyclohepta-1,4-dienyl, cyclooctyl, andcyclooctenyl rings.

Each carbocyclyl group may be substituted by 0, 1, 2, or 3 substituentsindependently selected from halogen, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and —CF₃.

The term “heteroaryl” as used herein refers to a single aromatic ring ora multiple condensed ring. The term includes single aromatic rings offrom about 1 to 6 carbon atoms and about 1-4 heteroatoms selected fromthe group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur in the rings. Thesulfur and nitrogen atoms may also be present in an oxidized formprovided the ring is aromatic. Such rings include but are not limited topyridyl, pyrimidinyl, oxazolyl or furyl. The term also includes multiplecondensed ring systems (e.g. ring systems comprising 2 or 3 rings)wherein a heteroaryl group, as defined above, can be fused with one ormore heteroaryls (e.g. naphthyridinyl), carbocycles (e.g.5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolyl) or aryls (e.g. indazolyl) to form a multiplecondensed ring. Such multiple condensed rings may be optionallysubstituted with one or more (e.g. 1, 2 or 3) oxo groups on thecarbocycle portions of the condensed ring. It is to be understood thatthe point of attachment of a heteroaryl multiple condensed ring, asdefined above, can be at any position of the ring including aheteroaryl, aryl or a carbocycle portion of the ring. Exemplaryheteroaryls include but are not limited to pyridyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazinyl,pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazolyl, thienyl, indolyl, imidazolyl,oxazolyl, thiazolyl, furyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, quinolyl,isoquinolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, indazolyl, quinoxalyl,quinazolyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolinyl benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyland thianaphthenyl.

Each heteroaryl group may be substituted by 0, 1, 2, or 3 substituentsindependently selected from halogen, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and —CF₃.

“Heteroarylalkyl” refers to an alkyl radical as defined herein in whichone of the hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom is replaced with aheteroaryl radical as described herein (i.e., a heteroaryl-alkyl-moiety). The alkyl group of the “heteroarylalkyl” is typically 1 to 6carbon atoms (i.e. heteroaryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl). Heteroarylalkyl groupsinclude, but are not limited to heteroaryl-CH₂—, heteroaryl-CH(CH₃)—,heteroaryl-CH₂CH₂—, 2-(heteroaryl)ethan-1-yl, and the like, wherein the“heteroaryl” portion includes any of the heteroaryl groups describedabove. One skilled in the art will also understand that the heteroarylgroup can be attached to the alkyl portion of the heteroarylalkyl bymeans of a carbon-carbon bond or a carbon-heteroatom bond, with theproviso that the resulting group is chemically stable. Examples ofheteroarylalkyls include by way of example and not limitation 5-memberedsulfur, oxygen, and/or nitrogen containing heteroaryls such asthiazolylmethyl, 2-thiazolylethan-1-yl, imidazolylmethyl,oxazolylmethyl, thiadiazolylmethyl, etc., 6-membered sulfur, oxygen,and/or nitrogen containing heteroaryls such pyridinylmethyl,pyridizylmethyl, pyrimidylmethyl, pyrazinylmethyl, etc.

The heteroaryl ring of each of is the heteroarylalkyl group may besubstituted by 0, 1, 2, or 3 substituents independently selected fromhalogen, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and —CF₃.

Pharmaceutical Formulations

Also provided herein is a pharmaceutical formulation comprising apharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Also provided areseparate pharmaceutical formulations, each comprising a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of a compound of Formula (II), Formula (III), or aspecific compounds of the examples herein, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or excipient.

The compounds herein are formulated with conventional carriers andexcipients, which will be selected in accord with ordinary practice.Tablets will contain excipients, glidants, fillers, binders and thelike. Aqueous formulations are prepared in sterile form, and whenintended for delivery by other than oral administration generally willbe isotonic. All formulations will optionally contain excipients such asthose set forth in the “Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients” (1986).Excipients include ascorbic acid and other antioxidants, chelatingagents such as EDTA, carbohydrates such as dextran,hydroxyalkylcellulose, hydroxyalkylmethylcellulose, stearic acid and thelike. The pH of the formulations ranges from about 3 to about 11, but isordinarily about 7 to 10.

While it is possible for the active ingredients to be administered aloneit may be preferable to present them as pharmaceutical formulations. Theformulations, both for veterinary and for human use, comprise at leastone active ingredient, as above defined, together with one or moreacceptable carriers and optionally other therapeutic ingredients,particularly those additional therapeutic ingredients as discussedherein. The carrier(s) must be “acceptable” in the sense of beingcompatible with the other ingredients of the formulation andphysiologically innocuous to the recipient thereof.

The formulations include those suitable for the foregoing administrationroutes. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosageform and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art ofpharmacy. Techniques and formulations generally are found in Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA). Such methodsinclude the step of bringing into association the active ingredient withthe carrier which constitutes one or more accessory ingredients. Ingeneral the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimatelybringing into association the active ingredient with liquid carriers orfinely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shapingthe product.

Formulations suitable for oral administration may be presented asdiscrete units such as capsules, cachets or tablets each containing apredetermined amount of the active ingredient; as a powder or granules;as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid; or asan oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil liquid emulsion. Theactive ingredient may also be administered as a bolus, electuary orpaste.

A tablet is made by compression or molding, optionally with one or moreaccessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressingin a suitable machine the active ingredient in a free-flowing form suchas a powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder, lubricant,inert diluent, preservative, surface active or dispersing agent. Moldedtablets may be made by molding in a suitable machine a mixture of thepowdered active ingredient moistened with an inert liquid diluent. Thetablets may optionally be coated or scored and optionally are formulatedso as to provide slow or controlled release of the active ingredienttherefrom.

For infections of the eye or other external tissues e.g. mouth and skin,the formulations are preferably applied as a topical ointment or creamcontaining the active ingredient(s) in an amount of, for example, 0.075to 20% w/w (including active ingredient(s) in a range between 0.1% and20% in increments of 0.1% w/w such as 0.6% w/w, 0.7% w/w, etc.),preferably 0.2 to 15% w/w and most preferably 0.5 to 10% w/w. Whenformulated in an ointment, the active ingredients may be employed witheither a paraffinic or a water-miscible ointment base. Alternatively,the active ingredients may be formulated in a cream with an oil-in-watercream base.

If desired, the aqueous phase of the cream base may include, forexample, at least 30% w/w of a polyhydric alcohol, i.e. an alcoholhaving two or more hydroxyl groups such as propylene glycol, butane1,3-diol, mannitol, sorbitol, glycerol and polyethylene glycol(including PEG 400) and mixtures thereof. The topical formulations maydesirably include a compound which enhances absorption or penetration ofthe active ingredient through the skin or other affected areas. Examplesof such dermal penetration enhancers include dimethyl sulphoxide andrelated analogs.

The oily phase of the emulsions may be constituted from knowningredients in a known manner. While the phase may comprise merely anemulsifier (otherwise known as an emulgent), it desirably comprises amixture of at least one emulsifier with a fat or an oil or with both afat and an oil. Preferably, a hydrophilic emulsifier is includedtogether with a lipophilic emulsifier which acts as a stabilizer. It isalso preferred to include both an oil and a fat. Together, theemulsifier(s) with or without stabilizer(s) make up the so-calledemulsifying wax, and the wax together with the oil and fat make up theso-called emulsifying ointment base which forms the oily dispersed phaseof the cream formulations.

Emulgents and emulsion stabilizers suitable for use in the formulationinclude Tween® 60, Span® 80, cetostearyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol,myristyl alcohol, glyceryl mono-stearate and sodium lauryl sulfate.

The choice of suitable oils or fats for the formulation is based onachieving the desired cosmetic properties. The cream should preferablybe a non-greasy, non-staining and washable product with suitableconsistency to avoid leakage from tubes or other containers. Straight orbranched chain, mono- or dibasic alkyl esters such as di-isoadipate,isocetyl stearate, propylene glycol diester of coconut fatty acids,isopropyl myristate, decyl oleate, isopropyl palmitate, butyl stearate,2-ethylhexyl palmitate or a blend of branched chain esters known asCrodamol CAP may be used, the last three being preferred esters. Thesemay be used alone or in combination depending on the propertiesrequired. Alternatively, high melting point lipids such as white softparaffin and/or liquid paraffin or other mineral oils are used.

Pharmaceutical formulations herein comprise a combination together withone or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients andoptionally other therapeutic agents.

Pharmaceutical formulations containing the active ingredient may be inany form suitable for the intended method of administration. When usedfor oral use for example, tablets, troches, lozenges, aqueous or oilsuspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions, hard or softcapsules, solutions, syrups or elixirs may be prepared. Compositionsintended for oral use may be prepared according to any method known tothe art for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions and suchcompositions may contain one or more agents including sweetening agents,flavoring agents, coloring agents and preserving agents, in order toprovide a palatable preparation. Tablets containing the activeingredient in admixture with non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient which are suitable for manufacture of tablets are acceptable.These excipients may be, for example, inert diluents, such as calcium orsodium carbonate, lactose, calcium or sodium phosphate; granulating anddisintegrating agents, such as maize starch, or alginic acid; bindingagents, such as starch, gelatin or acacia; and lubricating agents, suchas magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. Tablets may be uncoated ormay be coated by known techniques including microencapsulation to delaydisintegration and adsorption in the gastrointestinal tract and therebyprovide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, a timedelay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearatealone or with a wax may be employed.

Formulations for oral use may be also presented as hard gelatin capsuleswhere the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, forexample calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules whereinthe active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil medium, such aspeanut oil, liquid paraffin or olive oil.

Aqueous suspensions contain the active materials in admixture withexcipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Suchexcipients include a suspending agent, such as sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcelluose,sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia,and dispersing or wetting agents such as a naturally-occurringphosphatide (e.g., lecithin), a condensation product of an alkyleneoxide with a fatty acid (e.g., polyoxyethylene stearate), a condensationproduct of ethylene oxide with a long chain aliphatic alcohol (e.g.,heptadecaethyleneoxycetanol), a condensation product of ethylene oxidewith a partial ester derived from a fatty acid and a hexitol anhydride(e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate). The aqueous suspension mayalso contain one or more preservatives such as ethyl or n-propylp-hydroxy-benzoate, one or more coloring agents, one or more flavoringagents and one or more sweetening agents, such as sucrose or saccharin.

Oil suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient ina vegetable oil, such as arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconutoil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oral suspensionsmay contain a thickening agent, such as beeswax, hard paraffin or cetylalcohol. Sweetening agents, such as those set forth above, and flavoringagents may be added to provide a palatable oral preparation. Thesecompositions may be preserved by the addition of an antioxidant such asascorbic acid.

Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueoussuspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient inadmixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, a suspending agent, andone or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents andsuspending agents are exemplified by those disclosed above. Additionalexcipients, for example sweetening, flavoring and coloring agents, mayalso be present.

The pharmaceutical compositions may also be in the form of oil-in-wateremulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil, such as olive oil orarachis oil, a mineral oil, such as liquid paraffin, or a mixture ofthese. Suitable emulsifying agents include naturally-occurring gums,such as gum acacia and gum tragacanth, naturally-occurring phosphatides,such as soybean lecithin, esters or partial esters derived from fattyacids and hexitol anhydrides, such as sorbitan monooleate, andcondensation products of these partial esters with ethylene oxide, suchas polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsion may also containsweetening and flavoring agents. Syrups and elixirs may be formulatedwith sweetening agents, such as glycerol, sorbitol or sucrose. Suchformulations may also contain a demulcent, a preservative, a flavoringor a coloring agent.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterileinjectable or intravenous preparations, such as a sterile injectableaqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulatedaccording to the known art using those suitable dispersing or wettingagents and suspending agents which have been mentioned above. Thesterile injectable or intravenous preparation may also be a sterileinjectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptablediluent or solvent, such as a solution in 1,3-butane-diol or prepared asa lyophilized powder. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents thatmay be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodiumchloride solution. In addition, sterile fixed oils may conventionally beemployed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any blandfixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. Inaddition, fatty acids such as oleic acid may likewise be used in thepreparation of injectables.

The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carriermaterial to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon thehost treated and the particular mode of administration. For example, atime-release formulation intended for oral administration to humans maycontain approximately 1 to 1000 mg of active material compounded with anappropriate and convenient amount of carrier material which may varyfrom about 5 to about 95% of the total compositions (weight:weight). Thepharmaceutical composition can be prepared to provide easily measurableamounts for administration. For example, an aqueous solution intendedfor intravenous infusion may contain from about 3 to 500 μg of theactive ingredient per milliliter of solution in order that infusion of asuitable volume at a rate of about 30 mL/hr can occur.

Formulations suitable for topical administration to the eye also includeeye drops wherein the active ingredient is dissolved or suspended in asuitable carrier, especially an aqueous solvent for the activeingredient. The active ingredient is preferably present in suchformulations in a concentration of 0.5 to 20%, advantageously 0.5 to10%, and particularly about 1.5% w/w.

Formulations suitable for topical administration in the mouth includelozenges comprising the active ingredient in a flavored basis, usuallysucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the activeingredient in an inert basis such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucroseand acacia; and mouthwashes comprising the active ingredient in asuitable liquid carrier.

Formulations for rectal administration may be presented as a suppositorywith a suitable base comprising for example cocoa butter or asalicylate.

Formulations suitable for intrapulmonary or nasal administration have aparticle size for example in the range of 0.1 to 500 microns, such as0.5, 1, 30, 35 etc., which is administered by rapid inhalation throughthe nasal passage or by inhalation through the mouth so as to reach thealveolar sacs. Suitable formulations include aqueous or oily solutionsof the active ingredient. Formulations suitable for aerosol or drypowder administration may be prepared according to conventional methodsand may be delivered with other therapeutic agents such as compoundsheretofore used in the treatment or prophylaxis of Pneumovirinaeinfections as described below.

Another embodiment provides a novel, efficacious, safe, nonirritatingand physiologically compatible inhalable composition comprising acompound of Formulas I-III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, suitable for treating Pneumovirinae infections and potentiallyassociated bronchiolitis. Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable saltsare inorganic acid salts including hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulfateor phosphate salts as they may cause less pulmonary irritation.Preferably, the inhalable formulation is delivered to the endobronchialspace in an aerosol comprising particles with a mass median aerodynamicdiameter (MMAD) between about 1 and about 5 μm. Preferably, the compoundof Formulas I-III is formulated for aerosol delivery using a nebulizer,pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI), or dry powder inhaler (DPI).

Non-limiting examples of nebulizers include atomizing, jet, ultrasonic,pressurized, vibrating porous plate, or equivalent nebulizers includingthose nebulizers utilizing adaptive aerosol delivery technology (Denyer,J. Aerosol medicine Pulmonary Drug Delivery 2010, 23 Supp 1, S1-S10). Ajet nebulizer utilizes air pressure to break a liquid solution intoaerosol droplets. An ultrasonic nebulizer works by a piezoelectriccrystal that shears a liquid into small aerosol droplets. A pressurizednebulization system forces solution under pressure through small poresto generate aerosol droplets. A vibrating porous plate device utilizesrapid vibration to shear a stream of liquid into appropriate dropletsizes.

In a preferred embodiment, the formulation for nebulization is deliveredto the endobronchial space in an aerosol comprising particles with aMMAD predominantly between about 1 μm and about 5 μm using a nebulizerable to aerosolize the formulation of the compound of Formulas I-IIIinto particles of the required MMAD. To be optimally therapeuticallyeffective and to avoid upper respiratory and systemic side effects, themajority of aerosolized particles should not have a MMAD greater thanabout 5 μm. If an aerosol contains a large number of particles with aMMAD larger than 5 μm, the particles are deposited in the upper airwaysdecreasing the amount of drug delivered to the site of inflammation andbronchoconstriction in the lower respiratory tract. If the MMAD of theaerosol is smaller than about 1 μm, then the particles have a tendencyto remain suspended in the inhaled air and are subsequently exhaledduring expiration.

When formulated and delivered according to the method herein, theaerosol formulation for nebulization delivers a therapeuticallyefficacious dose of the compound of Formulas I-III to the site ofPneumovirinae infection sufficient to treat the Pneumovirinae infection.The amount of drug administered must be adjusted to reflect theefficiency of the delivery of a therapeutically efficacious dose of thecompound of Formulas I-III. In a preferred embodiment, a combination ofthe aqueous aerosol formulation with the atomizing, jet, pressurized,vibrating porous plate, or ultrasonic nebulizer permits, depending onthe nebulizer, about, at least, 20, to about 90%, typically about 70%delivery of the administered dose of the compound of Formulas I-III intothe airways. In a preferred embodiment, at least about 30 to about 50%of the active compound is delivered. More preferably, about 70 to about90% of the active compound is delivered.

In another embodiment, a compound of Formulas I-III or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is delivered as a dryinhalable powder. The compounds are administered endobronchially as adry powder formulation to efficacious deliver fine particles of compoundinto the endobronchial space using dry powder or metered dose inhalers.For delivery by DPI, the compound of Formulas I-III is processed intoparticles with, predominantly, MMAD between about 1 μm and about 5 μm bymilling spray drying, critical fluid processing, or precipitation fromsolution. Media milling, jet milling and spray-drying devices andprocedures capable of producing the particle sizes with a MMAD betweenabout 1 μm and about 5 μm are well known in the art. In one embodiment,excipients are added to the compound of Formulas I-III before processinginto particles of the required sizes. In another embodiment, excipientsare blended with the particles of the required size to aid in dispersionof the drug particles, for example by using lactose as an excipient.

Particle size determinations are made using devices well known in theart. For example a multi-stage Anderson cascade impactor or othersuitable method such as those specifically cited within the USPharmacopoeia Chapter 601 as characterizing devices for aerosols withinmetered-dose and dry powder inhalers.

In another preferred embodiment, a compound of Formulas I-III isdelivered as a dry powder using a device such as a dry powder inhaler orother dry powder dispersion devices. Non-limiting examples of dry powderinhalers and devices include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,458,135; 5,740,794; 5775320; 5,785,049; 3,906,950; 4,013,075;4,069,819; 4,995,385; 5,522,385; 4,668,218; 4,667,668; 4,805,811 and5,388,572. There are two major designs of dry powder inhalers. Onedesign is a metering device in which a reservoir for the drug is placewithin the device and the patient adds a dose of the drug into theinhalation chamber. The second design is a factory-metered device inwhich each individual dose has been manufactured in a separatecontainer. Both systems depend on the formulation of the drug into smallparticles of MMAD from 1 μm and about 5 μm and often involveco-formulation with larger excipient particles such as, but not limitedto, lactose. Drug powder is placed in the inhalation chamber (either bydevice metering or by breakage of a factory-metered dosage) and theinspiratory flow of the patient accelerates the powder out of the deviceand into the oral cavity. Non-laminar flow characteristics of the powderpath cause the excipient-drug aggregates to decompose, and the mass ofthe large excipient particles causes their impaction at the back of thethroat, while the smaller drug particles are deposited deep in thelungs. In preferred embodiments, a compound of Formulas I-III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is delivered as a dry powderusing either type of dry powder inhaler as described herein, wherein theMMAD of the dry powder, exclusive of any excipients, is predominantly inthe range of 1 μm to about 5 μm.

In another embodiment, a compound of Formulas I-III is delivered as adry powder using a metered dose inhaler. Non-limiting examples ofmetered dose inhalers and devices include those disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,261,538; 5,544,647; 5,622,163; 4,955,371; 3,565,070; 3,361306 and6,116,234. In preferred embodiments, a compound of Formulas I-III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is delivered as a dry powderusing a metered dose inhaler wherein the MMAD of the dry powder,exclusive of any excipients, is predominantly in the range of about 1-5μm.

Formulations suitable for vaginal administration may be presented aspessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or spray formulationscontaining in addition to the active ingredient such carriers as areknown in the art to be appropriate.

Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include aqueous andnon-aqueous sterile injection solutions which may contain anti-oxidants,buffers, bacteriostats and solutes which render the formulation isotonicwith the blood of the intended recipient; and aqueous and non-aqueoussterile suspensions which may include suspending agents and thickeningagents.

The formulations are presented in unit-dose or multi-dose containers,for example sealed ampoules and vials, and may be stored in afreeze-dried (lyophilized) condition requiring only the addition of thesterile liquid carrier, for example water for injection, immediatelyprior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions and suspensions areprepared from sterile powders, granules and tablets of the kindpreviously described. Preferred unit dosage formulations are thosecontaining a daily dose or unit daily sub-dose, as herein above recited,or an appropriate fraction thereof, of the active ingredient.

It should be understood that in addition to the ingredients particularlymentioned above the formulations may include other agents conventionalin the art having regard to the type of formulation in question, forexample those suitable for oral administration may include flavoringagents.

Further provided are veterinary compositions comprising at least oneactive ingredient as above defined together with a veterinary carriertherefor.

Veterinary carriers are materials useful for the purpose ofadministering the composition and may be solid, liquid or gaseousmaterials which are otherwise inert or acceptable in the veterinary artand are compatible with the active ingredient. These veterinarycompositions may be administered orally, parenterally or by any otherdesired route.

Compounds herein are used to provide controlled release pharmaceuticalformulations containing as active ingredient one or more of thecompounds (“controlled release formulations”) in which the release ofthe active ingredient are controlled and regulated to allow lessfrequency dosing or to improve the pharmacokinetic or toxicity profileof a given active ingredient.

Effective dose of active ingredient depends at least on the nature ofthe condition being treated, toxicity, whether the compound is beingused prophylactically (lower doses) or against an active viralinfection, the method of delivery, and the pharmaceutical formulation,and will be determined by the clinician using conventional doseescalation studies. It can be expected to be from about 0.0001 to about100 mg/kg body weight per day; typically, from about 0.01 to about 10mg/kg body weight per day; more typically, from about 0.01 to about 5mg/kg body weight per day; most typically, from about 0.05 to about 0.5mg/kg body weight per day. For example, the daily candidate dose for anadult human of approximately 70 kg body weight will range from 1 mg to1000 mg, preferably between 5 mg and 500 mg, and may take the form ofsingle or multiple doses.

Routes of Administration

One or more of the compounds (herein referred to as the activeingredients) are administered by any route appropriate to the conditionto be treated. Suitable routes include oral, rectal, nasal, pulmonary,topical (including buccal and sublingual), vaginal and parenteral(including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal,intrathecal and epidural), and the like. It will be appreciated that thepreferred route may vary with for example the condition of therecipient. An advantage of the compounds herein is that they are orallybioavailable and can be dosed orally.

Combination Therapy

Compositions are also used in combination with other active ingredients.For the treatment of Pneumovirinae virus infections, preferably, theother active therapeutic agent is active against Pneumovirinae virusinfections, particularly respiratory syncytial virus infections.Non-limiting examples of these other active therapeutic agents areribavirin, palivizumab, motavizumab, RSV-IGIV (RespiGam®), MEDI-557,A-60444 (also known as RSV604), MDT-637, BMS-433771, ALN-RSV0, ALX-0171and mixtures thereof.

Many of the infections of the Pneumovirinae viruses are respiratoryinfections. Therefore, additional active therapeutics used to treatrespiratory symptoms and sequelae of infection may be used incombination with the compounds of Formulas I-III. The additional agentsare preferably administered orally or by direct inhalation. For example,other preferred additional therapeutic agents in combination with thecompounds of Formulas I-III for the treatment of viral respiratoryinfections include, but are not limited to, bronchodilators andcorticosteroids.

Glucocorticoids, which were first introduced as an asthma therapy in1950 (Carryer, Journal of Allergy, 21, 282-287, 1950), remain the mostpotent and consistently effective therapy for this disease, althoughtheir mechanism of action is not yet fully understood (Morris, J.Allergy Clin. Immunol., 75 (1 Pt) 1-13, 1985). Unfortunately, oralglucocorticoid therapies are associated with profound undesirable sideeffects such as truncal obesity, hypertension, glaucoma, glucoseintolerance, acceleration of cataract formation, bone mineral loss, andpsychological effects, all of which limit their use as long-termtherapeutic agents (Goodman and Gilman, 10th edition, 2001). A solutionto systemic side effects is to deliver steroid drugs directly to thesite of inflammation. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) have been developedto mitigate the severe adverse effects of oral steroids. Non-limitingexamples of corticosteroids that may be used in combinations with thecompounds of Formulas I-III are dexamethasone, dexamethasone sodiumphosphate, fluorometholone, fluorometholone acetate, loteprednol,loteprednol etabonate, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, fludrocortisones,triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, betamethasone, beclomethasonediproprionate, methylprednisolone, fluocinolone, fluocinolone acetonide,flunisolide, fluocortin-21-butylate, flumethasone, flumetasone pivalate,budesonide, halobetasol propionate, mometasone furoate, fluticasonepropionate, ciclesonide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Other anti-inflammatory agents working through anti-inflammatory cascademechanisms are also useful as additional therapeutic agents incombination with the compounds of Formulas I-III for the treatment ofviral respiratory infections. Applying “anti-inflammatory signaltransduction modulators” (referred to in this text as AISTM), likephosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g. PDE-4, PDE-5, or PDE-7 specific),transcription factor inhibitors (e.g. blocking NFκB through IKKinhibition), or kinase inhibitors (e.g. blocking P38 MAP, JNK, PI3K,EGFR or Syk) is a logical approach to switching off inflammation asthese small molecules target a limited number of common intracellularpathways—those signal transduction pathways that are critical points forthe anti-inflammatory therapeutic intervention (see review by P. J.Barnes, 2006). These non-limiting additional therapeutic agents include:5-(2,4-Difluoro-phenoxy)-1-isobutyl-1H-indazole-6-carboxylic acid(2-dimethylamino-ethyl)-amide (P38 Map kinase inhibitor ARRY-797);3-Cyclopropylmethoxy-N-(3,5-dichloro-pyridin-4-yl)-4-difluorormethoxy-benzamide(PDE-4 inhibitor Roflumilast);4-[2-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenyl-ethyl]-pyridine (PDE-4inhibitor CDP-840);N-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridinyl)-4-(difluoromethoxy)-8-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]-1-dibenzofurancarboxamide(PDE-4 inhibitor Oglemilast);N-(3,5-Dichloro-pyridin-4-yl)-2-[1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl]-2-oxo-acetamide(PDE-4 inhibitor AWD 12-281);8-Methoxy-2-trifluoromethyl-quinoline-5-carboxylic acid(3,5-dichloro-1-oxy-pyridin-4-yl)-amide (PDE-4 inhibitor Sch 351591);4-[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methanesulfinyl-phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]-pyridine(P38 inhibitor SB-203850);4-[4-(4-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-1-(3-phenyl-propyl)-5-pyridin-4-yl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-but-3-yn-1-ol(P38 inhibitor RWJ-67657);4-Cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy-phenyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid2-diethylamino-ethyl ester (2-diethyl-ethyl ester prodrug of Cilomilast,PDE-4 inhibitor);(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-[7-methoxy-6-(3-morpholin-4-yl-propoxy)-quinazolin-4-yl]-amine(Gefitinib, EGFR inhibitor); and4-(4-Methyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-N-[4-methyl-3-(4-pyridin-3-yl-pyrimidin-2-ylamino)-phenyl]-benzamide(Imatinib, EGFR inhibitor).

Combinations comprising inhaled β2-adrenoreceptor agonistbronchodilators such as formoterol, albuterol or salmeterol with thecompounds of Formulas I-III are also suitable, but non-limiting,combinations useful for the treatment of respiratory viral infections.

Combinations of inhaled β2-adrenoreceptor agonist bronchodilators suchas formoterol or salmeterol with ICS's are also used to treat both thebronchoconstriction and the inflammation (Symbicorte and Advair®,respectively). The combinations comprising these ICS andβ2-adrenoreceptor agonist combinations along with the compounds ofFormulas I-III are also suitable, but non-limiting, combinations usefulfor the treatment of respiratory viral infections.

For the treatment or prophylaxis of pulmonary broncho-constriction,anticholinergics are of potential use and, therefore, useful as anadditional therapeutic agents in combination with the compounds ofFormulas I-III for the treatment of viral respiratory infections. Theseanticholinergics include, but are not limited to, antagonists of themuscarinic receptor (particularly of the M3 subtype) which have showntherapeutic efficacy in man for the control of cholinergic tone in COPD(Witek, 1999);1-{4-Hydroxy-1-[3,3,3-tris-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-propionyl]-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl}-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid (1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amide;3-[3-(2-Diethylamino-acetoxy)-2-phenyl-propionyloxy]-8-isopropyl-8-methyl-8-azonia-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane(Ipratropium-N,N-diethylglycinate);1-Cyclohexyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2-carboxylic acid1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl ester (Solifenacin);2-Hydroxymethyl-4-methanesulfinyl-2-phenyl-butyric acid1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl ester (Revatropate);2-{1-[2-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-ethyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-2,2-diphenyl-acetamide(Darifenacin); 4-Azepan-1-yl-2,2-diphenyl-butyramide (Buzepide);7-[3-(2-Diethylamino-acetoxy)-2-phenyl-propionyloxy]-9-ethyl-9-methyl-3-oxa-9-azonia-tricyclo[3.3.1.02,4]nonane(Oxitropium-N,N-diethylglycinate);7-[2-(2-Diethylamino-acetoxy)-2,2-di-thiophen-2-yl-acetoxy]-9,9-dimethyl-3-oxa-9-azonia-tricyclo[3.3.1.02,4]nonane(Tiotropium-N,N-diethylglycinate); Dimethylamino-acetic acid2-(3-diisopropylamino-1-phenyl-propyl)-4-methyl-phenyl ester(Tolterodine-N,N-dimethylglycinate);3-[4,4-Bis-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1-methyl-1-(2-oxo-2-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-pyrrolidinium;1-[3-Fluoro-benzyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4,4-bis-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-imidazolidin-2-one;1-Cyclooctyl-3-(3-methoxy-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-1-phenyl-prop-2-yn-1-ol;3-[2-(2-Diethylamino-acetoxy)-2,2-di-thiophen-2-yl-acetoxy]-1-(3-phenoxy-propyl)-1-azonia-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane(Aclidinium-N,N-diethylglycinate); or(2-Diethylamino-acetoxy)-di-thiophen-2-yl-acetic acid1-methyl-1-(2-phenoxy-ethyl)-piperidin-4-yl ester.

The compounds of Formulas I-III may also be combined with mucolyticagents to treat both the infection and symptoms of respiratoryinfections. A non-limiting example of a mucolytic agent is ambroxol.Similarly, the compounds of Formulas I-III may be combined withexpectorants to treat both the infection and symptoms of respiratoryinfections. A non-limiting example of an expectorant is guaifenesin.

Nebulized hypertonic saline is used to improve immediate and long-termclearance of small airways in patients with lung diseases (Kuzik, J.Pediatrics 2007, 266). The compounds of Formulas I-III may also becombined with nebulized hypertonic saline particularly when thePneumovirinae virus infection is complicated with bronchiolitis. Thecombination of the compounds of Formulas I-III with hypertonic salinemay also comprise any of the additional agents discussed above. In oneembodiment, nebulized about 3% hypertonic saline is used.

It is also possible to combine any compound with one or more additionalactive therapeutic agents in a unitary dosage form for simultaneous orsequential administration to a patient. The combination therapy may beadministered as a simultaneous or sequential regimen. When administeredsequentially, the combination may be administered in two or moreadministrations.

Co-administration of a compound herein with one or more other activetherapeutic agents generally refers to simultaneous or sequentialadministration of a compound and one or more other active therapeuticagents, such that therapeutically effective amounts of the compound andone or more other active therapeutic agents are both present in the bodyof the patient.

Co-administration includes administration of unit dosages of thecompounds before or after administration of unit dosages of one or moreother active therapeutic agents, for example, administration of thecompounds within seconds, minutes, or hours of the administration of oneor more other active therapeutic agents. For example, a unit dose of acompound can be administered first, followed within seconds or minutesby administration of a unit dose of one or more other active therapeuticagents. Alternatively, a unit dose of one or more other therapeuticagents can be administered first, followed by administration of a unitdose of a compound within seconds or minutes. In some cases, it may bedesirable to administer a unit dose of a compound first, followed, aftera period of hours (e.g., 1-12 hours), by administration of a unit doseof one or more other active therapeutic agents. In other cases, it maybe desirable to administer a unit dose of one or more other activetherapeutic agents first, followed, after a period of hours (e.g., 1-12hours), by administration of a unit dose of a compound herein.

The combination therapy may provide “synergy” and “synergistic”, i.e.the effect achieved when the active ingredients used together is greaterthan the sum of the effects that results from using the compoundsseparately. A synergistic effect may be attained when the activeingredients are: (1) co-formulated and administered or deliveredsimultaneously in a combined formulation; (2) delivered by alternationor in parallel as separate formulations; or (3) by some other regimen.When delivered in alternation therapy, a synergistic effect may beattained when the compounds are administered or delivered sequentially,e.g. in separate tablets, pills or capsules, or by different injectionsin separate syringes. In general, during alternation therapy, aneffective dosage of each active ingredient is administered sequentially,i.e. serially, whereas in combination therapy, effective dosages of twoor more active ingredients are administered together. A synergisticanti-viral effect denotes an antiviral effect which is greater than thepredicted purely additive effects of the individual compounds of thecombination.

In still yet another embodiment, the present application provides amethod of treating Pneumovirinae virus infection in a human, the methodcomprising administering to the human a therapeutically effective amountof a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate, and/or ester thereof. Also provided are separate methods oftreating Pneumovirinae virus infection in a human, each comprisingadministering to the human a therapeutically effective apharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (II), Formula(III), or one of the specific compounds of the examples herein, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

In another embodiment, provided is a method of treating a Pneumovirinaeinfection in a human by administering to the human a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a racemate, enantiomer, diastereomer, tautomer,polymorph, pseudopolymorph, amorphous form, hydrate or solvate of acompound of a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt or ester thereof.

Further provided are separate methods of treating a Pneumovirinaeinfection in a human in need thereof, each method comprisingadministering to the human a therapeutically effective amount of aracemate, enantiomer, diastereomer, tautomer, polymorph,pseudopolymorph, amorphous form, hydrate or solvate of a compound ofFormula (II), Formula (III), or one of the specific compounds of theexamples herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/orester thereof.

In still yet another embodiment, the present application provides for amethod of treating human respiratory syncytial virus infection in ahuman, the method comprising administering to the human atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I), or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof.

In still yet another embodiment, the present application provides for amethod of treating human respiratory syncytial virus infection in ahuman, the method comprising administering to the human atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I), or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, and atleast one additional active therapeutic agent.

Further provided are separate methods of treating a human respiratorysyncytial virus infection in a human in need thereof, each methodcomprising administering to the human a therapeutically effective amountof a compound of Formula (II), Formula (III), or one of the specificcompounds of the examples herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate, and/or ester thereof.

Also provided are separate methods of treating a human respiratorysyncytial virus infection in a human in need thereof, each methodcomprising administering to the human a therapeutically effective amountof a compound of Formula (II), Formula (III), or one of the specificcompounds of the examples herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate, and/or ester thereof, and at least one additional activetherapeutic agent.

Also provided are separate methods of treating a human respiratorysyncytial virus infection in a human in need thereof, wherein the humanis also experiencing bronchiolitis, each method comprising administeringto the human a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula(I), Formula (II), or one of the specific compounds of the examplesherein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or esterthereof.

Also provided are separate methods of treating a human respiratorysyncytial virus infection in a human in need thereof, wherein the humanis also experiencing pneumonia, each method comprising administering tothe human a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula(I), Formula (II), or one of the specific compounds of the examplesherein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or esterthereof.

Also provided are separate methods of improving respiratory symptoms ina human experiencing a human respiratory syncytial virus infection, eachmethod comprising administering to the human a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound of Formula (I), Formula (II), or one of thespecific compounds of the examples herein, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof.

Respiratory symptoms in a human experiencing a respiratory syncytialvirus infection may include congested or runny nose, coughing, wheezing,sneezing, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, apnea, bronchiolitis,and pneumonia.

Also provided is an embodiment comprising the use of a compound ofFormula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/orester thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment ofa Pneumovirinae virus infection or a respiratory syncytial virusinfection in a human.

Also provided is an embodiment comprising the use of a compound ofFormula (II), Formula (III), one of the specific compounds of theexamples herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/orester thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment ofa Pneumovirinae virus infection or a respiratory syncytial virusinfection in a human.

Also provided is a pharmaceutical formulation comprising apharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I), or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Further provided is apharmaceutical formulation comprising a pharmaceutically effectiveamount of a compound of Formula (II), Formula (III), or one of thespecific compounds of the examples herein, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or excipient.

Also provided is a pharmaceutical formulation comprising apharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I), or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient and a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of at least one additional active therapeutic agent.Further provided is a pharmaceutical formulation comprising apharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (II), Formula(III), or one of the specific compounds of the examples herein, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient and a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of at least one additional active therapeutic agent.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising a compound of Formula(I), Formula (II), Formula (III), or one of the specific compounds ofthe examples herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate,and/or ester thereof, for use in the treatment of a Pneumovirinae virusinfection or a respiratory syncytial virus infection in a human.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising a compound of Formula(I), Formula (II), Formula (III), or one of the specific compounds ofthe examples herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate,and/or ester thereof, for use as a medicament.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising a method formanufacturing a medicament intended for treatment of a Pneumovirinaevirus infection or a respiratory syncytial virus infection in a human,characterised in that a compound of Formula (I), Formula (II), Formula(III), or one of the specific compounds of the examples herein, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, isused.

Also provided is a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, for the treatment of aPneumovirinae virus infection or a respiratory syncytial virus infectionin a human.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising that a compound ofFormula (II), Formula (III), or one of the specific compounds of theexamples herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/orester thereof, for the treatment of a Pneumovirinae virus infection or arespiratory syncytial virus infection in a human. Further provided is acompound as described in this specification. Also provided is apharmaceutical composition as described in this specification. Alsoprovided is a method of using a compound of Formula (I), as described inthis specification. Further provided is a method of making a compound ofFormula (I), as described in this specification.

In still yet another embodiment, the present application provides acompound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate,and/or ester thereof, and at least one additional active therapeuticagent for use in a method of treating human respiratory syncytial virusinfection in a human.

In still yet another embodiment, the present application provides acompound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate,and/or ester thereof, for use in a method of treating human respiratorysyncytial virus infection in a human, wherein the method comprisesadministering a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, and at least oneadditional active therapeutic agent, to the human.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising a compound of Formula(II), Formula (III), or one of the specific compounds of the examplesherein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or esterthereof, and at least one additional active therapeutic agent for use ina method of treating a human respiratory syncytial virus infection in ahuman.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising a compound of Formula(II), Formula (III), or one of the specific compounds of the examplesherein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or esterthereof, for use in a method of treating human respiratory syncytialvirus infection in a human, wherein the method comprises administering acompound of Formula (II), Formula (III), or one of the specificcompounds of the examples herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate, and/or ester thereof, and at least one additional activetherapeutic agent, to the human.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising a compound of Formula(I), Formula (II), Formula (III), or one of the specific compounds ofthe examples herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate,and/or ester thereof for use in a method of treating a human respiratorysyncytial virus infection in a human in need thereof, wherein the humanis also experiencing bronchiolitis.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising a compound of Formula(I), Formula (II), Formula (III), or one of the specific compounds ofthe examples herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate,and/or ester thereof for use in a method of treating a human respiratorysyncytial virus infection in a human in need thereof, wherein the humanis also experiencing pneumonia.

Also provided are separate embodiments comprising a compound of Formula(I), Formula (II), Formula (III), or one of the specific compounds ofthe examples herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate,and/or ester thereof for use in a method of improving respiratorysymptoms in a human experiencing a human respiratory syncytial virusinfection.

Also provided is a product comprising a compound of Formula (I), Formula(II), Formula (III), or one of the specific compounds of the examplesherein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or esterthereof, as a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate, orsequential use in treating a human respiratory syncytial virus infectionin a human or a Pneumovirinae virus infection in a human.

Metabolites of the Compounds

Also falling within the scope herein are the in vivo metabolic productsof the compounds described herein, to the extent such products are noveland unobvious over the prior art. Such products may result for examplefrom the oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, amidation, esterification andthe like of the administered compound, primarily due to enzymaticprocesses. Accordingly, included are novel and unobvious compoundsproduced by a process comprising contacting a compound with a mammal fora period of time sufficient to yield a metabolic product thereof. Suchproducts typically are identified by preparing a radiolabelled (e.g. ¹⁴Cor ³H) compound, administering it parenterally in a detectable dose(e.g. greater than about 0.5 mg/kg) to an animal such as rat, mouse,guinea pig, monkey, or to man, allowing sufficient time for metabolismto occur (typically about 30 seconds to 30 hours) and isolating itsconversion products from the urine, blood or other biological samples.These products are easily isolated since they are labeled (others areisolated by the use of antibodies capable of binding epitopes survivingin the metabolite). The metabolite structures are determined inconventional fashion, e.g. by MS or NMR analysis. In general, analysisof metabolites is done in the same way as conventional drug metabolismstudies well-known to those skilled in the art. The conversion products,so long as they are not otherwise found in vivo, are useful indiagnostic assays for therapeutic dosing of the compounds even if theypossess no RSV antiviral activity of their own.

Recipes and methods for determining stability of compounds in surrogategastrointestinal secretions are known. Compounds are defined herein asstable in the gastrointestinal tract where less than about 50 molepercent of the protected groups are deprotected in surrogate intestinalor gastric juice upon incubation for 1 hour at 37° C. Simply because thecompounds are stable to the gastrointestinal tract does not mean thatthey cannot be hydrolyzed in vivo. The prodrugs typically will be stablein the digestive system but may be substantially hydrolyzed to theparental drug in the digestive lumen, liver, lung or other metabolicorgan, or within cells in general. As used herein, a prodrug isunderstood to be a compound that is chemically designed to efficientlyliberate the parent drug after overcoming biological barriers to oraldelivery.

Useful oxygen protecting groups include a silyl ether protecting groupor a benzyl-type protecting group, including methoxybenzyl groups.

Useful silyl ether protecting groups include Trimethylsilyl (TMS),Triethylsilyl (TES), Dimethylisopropylsilyl (IPDMS),Diethylisopropylsilyl (DEIPS), Dimethylthexylsilyl (TDS),t-Butyldimethylsilyl (TBS or TBDMS), t-Butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS),Tribenzylsilyl, Tri-p-xylylxilyl, Triisopropylsilyl (TIPS),Diphenylmethylsilyl (DPMS), Di-t-butylmethylsilyl (DTBMS),Triphenylsilyl (TPS),Methyldiphenylsilyl (MDPS),t-butylmethoxyphenylsilyl, Tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl (sisyl),(2-Hydroxystyryl)dimethylsilyl (HSDMS),(2-Hydroxystyryl)diisopropylsilyl (HSDIS). t-Butylmethoxyphenylsilyl(TBMPS), and t-Butoxydiphenylsilyl (DPTBOS) protecting groups.

Useful benzyl-type protecting groups include benzyl, halogenated benzyl,p-methoxybenzyl, benzyloxymethyl, 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl,3,4-dimethoxybenzyl, 2,6-dimethoxybenzyl, p-CF₃-benzyl, p-methylbenzyl,p-methoxylbenzyl, 3,5-dimethylbenzyl, p-tert-butylbenzyl, o-nitrobenzyl,p-nitrobenzyl, p-halobenzyl, including p-Br-benzyl, 2,6-dichlorobenzyl,p-cyanobenzyl, p-phenylbenzyl, 2,6-difluorobenzyl, p-acylaminobenzyl(PAB), p-azidobenzyl (Azb), 4-azido-3-chlorobenzyl,2-trifluoromethylbenzyl, p-(methylsulfinyl)benzyl, 2-picolyl, 4-picolyl,3-methyl-2-picolyl N-oxido, 2-quinolinylmethyl, diphenylmethyl (DPM),p,p′-dinitrobenzhydryl, triphenylmethyl, alpha-naphthyldiphenylmethyl,p-methoxyphenyldiphenyl methyl, di(p-methoxyphenyl)phenylmethyl,tri(p-methoxyphenyl)methyl, 4,4′,4″-tris(benzoyloxyphenyl)methyl, and2-naphthylmethyl protecting groups.

Useful amine protecting groups include p-methoxybenzyl carbonyl (Moz orMeOZ), acetyl (Ac), benzoyl (Bz), p-methoxybenzyl (PMB),3,4-dimethoxybenzyl (DMPM), p-methoxyphenyl (PMP), tosyl (Ts or Tos),trifluoroacetamide, and trityl protecting groups.

Useful amine protecting groups also include carbamate and amideprotecting groups. Examples of carbamate protecting groups includemethyl and ethyl carbamates such as 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (FMOC),9-(2-sulfo)fluorenylmethyl, 9-(2,7-dibromo)fluorenylmethyl,17-tetrabenzo[a,c,g,i]fluorenylmethyl (Tbfmoc), 2-chloro-3-indenylmethyl(Climoc), benz[f]inden-3-ylmethyl (Bimoc),2,7-di-t-butyl[9-(10,10-dioxo-10,10,10,10-tetrahydrothioxanyl)]methyl(DBD-Tmoc), [2-(1,3-dithianyl)methyl (Dmoc), and1,1-dioxobenzo[b]thiophene-2-ylmethyl (Bsmoc) carbamates.

Examples of useful substituted ethyl carbamates include1,1-dimethyl-2-cyanoethyl, 2-phosphonioethyl (Peoc), 2-methylthioethyl,2-(p-toluenesulfonyl)ethyl, 2,2,2,-trichloroethyl (Troc),2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl (Teoc), 2-phenylethyl (hZ),1-(1-adamantyl)-1-methylethyl (Adpoc), 1,1-dimethyl-2-bromoethyl,1,1-dimethyl-2-chloroethyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2,2-dibromoethyl (DB-t-BOC),1,1-dimethyl-2,2,2-trichloroethyl (TCBOC),1-methyl-1-(4-biphenylyl)ethyl (Bpoc),1-(3,5-di-t-butylphenyl)-1-methylethyl (t-Bumeoc), 2-(2′pyridyl)ethyl,2-(4′pyridyl)ethyl, 2,2-bis(4′-nitrophenyl)ethyl (Bnpeoc),N-(2-pivaloylamino)-1,1,dimethylethyl,2-[(2-nitrophenyl)dithio]-1-phenylethyl (NpSSPeoc),2-(N,N-dicyclohexylcarboxamido)ethyl, t-butyl (Boc or BOC), 1-adamantyl(1-Adoc), 2-adamantyl (2-Adoc), vinyl (Voc), allyl (Aloc or alloc),1-isopropylallyl (Ipaoc), cinnamyl (Coc), 4-nitrocinnamyl (Noc),3-(3′-pyridyl)prop-2-enyl (Paloc), 8-quinolyl, and N-hydroxypiperidinyl,carbamates, as well as alkyldithio carbamates, including methyldithio,ethyldithio, isopropyldithio, t-butyldithio, and phenyldithiocarbamates.

Also useful are aryl-containing and substituted aryl-containingcarbamates such as benzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl,p-bromobenzyl, p-chlorobenzyl, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl,4-methylsulfinylbenzyl (Msz), 9-anthrylmethyl, 4-methylthiophenyl(Mtpc), 1-methyl-1-(triphenylphosphonio)ethyl(2-triphenylphosphonioisopropyl) (Ppoc), 2-dansylethyl (Dnseoc),2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl (Npeoc), 4-phenylacetoxybenzyl (PhAcOZ),4-azidobenzyl (ACBZ), 4-azidomethoxybenzyl, m-chloro-p-acyloxybenzyl,p-(dihydroxyboryl)benzyl, carbobenzyloxy (Cbz), 4-benzisoxazolylmethyl(Bic), 2-(trifluoromethyl)-6-chromonylmethyl (Tcroc), phenyl, anddiphenylmethyl carbamates. Additional carbamates include butynyl,cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopropylmethyl, 1-methylcyclobutyl,1-methylcyclohexyl, 1,1-dimethylpropynyl, and1-methyl-1-cyclopropylmethyl carbamates.

Useful amide protecting groups for amines include N-formyl, N-acetyl,N-chloroacetyl, N-trichloroacetyl, N-trifluoroacetyl (TFA),N-phenylacetyl, N-3-phenylpropionyl, N-4-pentenoyl, N-picolinoyl,N-3-pyridylcarboxamido, N-benzoylphenylalanyl, N-benzoyl, andN-p-phenylbenzoyl amides.

TABLE 1 List of abbreviations and acronyms. Abbreviation Meaning Acacetate Ac₂O acetic anhydride AcOH acetic acid ACN acetonitrile Bnbenzyl BOM benzyl chloromethyl ether Bu butyl Bz benzoyl BzCl benzoylchloride CAN ceric ammonium nitrate CDI 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole DASTdiethylaminosulfur trifluoride DBU 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-eneDIPEA N,N-diisopropylethylamine DCM dichloromethane DMAP4-dimethylamiopyridine DMDO dimethydioxirane DMSO dimethylsulfoxide DMFdimethylformamide DMTrCl 4,4′-dimethoxytritylchloride DMTr4,4′-dimethoxytrityl EDCl N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimidehydrochloride Et ethyl EtOAc ethyl acetate hr hour Imid imidazole tBuOKpotassium tert-butoxide Me methyl MeOH methyl alcohol min minute MMTr4-methoxytriphenylmethane MMTrCl 4-methoxytriphenylchloromethane NBSN-bromosuccinimide NMP 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone Ph phenyl Ph₃Ptriphenylphosphine PMB para-methoxybenzyl PMBCl para-methoxybenzylchloride pTSA para-toluenesulfonic acid Pyr pyridine RT room temperatureTBAF tetrabutylammonium flouride TBS tert-butyldimethylsilyl TBSCltert-Butyldimethylsilyl chloride TEA triethylamine TFA trifluoroaceticacid Tf₂O trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride THF tetrahydrofuran TMStrimethylsilyl TMSCl trimethylsilyl chloride TPSCl2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl chloride

Species (Nucleosides)

Provided are the individual nucleoside compounds below, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Syntheses of Nucleoside Species

Compound 2:1-((2R,3R,4R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-3-chloro-5,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 1 (1 mmol) is dissolved in DMF (10 mL). To this solution isadded TBSCl (1.1 eq), followed by imidazole (1.5 eq). The reaction isstirred until the reaction is complete. The reaction is quenched byslowly adding a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO₃. The mixture isdiluted with DCM and water. The layers are separated and the organiclayer is extracted with a 5% aqueous solution of LiCl twice. The organicphase is extracted with brine and is then dried over Na₂SO₄. The dryingagent is removed by filtration and the filtrate is concentrated. Theproduct is isolated from the residue by silica gel columnchromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

The product from the TBS protection step described above is dissolved inTHF (10 mL) and MeOH (5 mL). This solution is cooled in an ice bath andthen a 1M solution of LiOH in water (20 eq of LiOH) is added to thefirst solution. The ice bath is removed and the reaction is stirreduntil the reaction is complete. The reaction is cooled in an ice bathand brought to neutral pH by slowly adding a 4N aqueous solution of HCl.The neutralized reaction is concentrated and compound 2 is isolated fromthe residue by silica gel column chromatography, using a mixture of MeOHand DCM as the eluent.

Compound 3:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-5-((bis(4-methoxyphenyl)(phenynmethoxy)methyl)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-5-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-3-chlorotetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 2 (1 mmol) is dissolved in DCM (10 mL) and TEA is added (2.5eq). This solution is cooled to 0° C. and then a separate solution ofDMTrCl (1.45 eq) in DCM (5 mL) is slowly added.

The reaction is stirred until the reaction is complete. The reaction isquenched by adding MeOH (5 mL) and is then concentrated. The residue ispartitioned between DCM and sat. NaHCO₃. The layers are separated andthe organic layer is extracted with brine and is then dried over Na₂SO₄.The drying agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate isconcentrated. The product is isolated from the residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

The product from the DMTr protection step described above (1 mmol) isdissolved in DCM (10 mL). To this solution is added TBSCl (1.1 eq),followed by imidazole (1.5 eq). The reaction is stirred until thereaction is complete. The reaction is quenched by slowly adding sat.NaHCO₃.

The mixture is diluted with DCM and water. The layers are separated andthe organic layer is extracted with brine and is then dried over Na₂SO₄.The drying agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate isconcentrated. Compound 3 is isolated from the residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

Compound 4:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-5-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)Pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 3 (1 mmol) is dissolved in CHCl₃ (10 mL). This solution iscooled in an ice bath and a solution of pTSA (1.1 eq) in MeOH (3 mL) isadded in a drop-wise fashion. The reaction is stirred until the reactionis complete. The reaction is quenched by adding sat. NaHCO₃ and isdiluted with DCM. The layers are separated and the organic phase isextracted with brine and is then dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent isremoved by filtration and the filtrate is concentrated. Compound 4 isisolated from the residue by silica gel column chromatography, using amixture of EtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

Compound 5:(2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-4-chloro-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)tetrahydrofuran-2-carbaldehyde

Compound 4 (1 mmol) is dissolved in toluene (8 mL) and DMSO (2 mL). Tothis solution is added EDCl (3 eq). Pyridine (83 □L) is then addedfollowed by TFA (42 □L). The reaction is stirred until the reaction iscomplete. The reaction is diluted with EtOAc, and the organic phase iswashed with water and then brine. The organic phase is dried over Na₂SO₄and the drying agent is removed by filtration. The filtrate isconcentrated to yield the crude compound 5, which is used as is insubsequent reactions.

Compound 6:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-(benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-3-(4-methoxybenzyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 3 (1 mmol) is added as a solution in DMF (5 mL) to an ice coldslurry of NaH (1.1 eq) in DMF (5 mL). This is allowed to stir for 10 minand then PMBCl is added dropwise. The reaction is allowed to stir untilit is determined to be complete. The reaction is quenched by theaddition of water and then diluted with EtOAc. The organic and aqueousphases are separated and the organic phase is washed with 5% LiCl(twice), brine (once) and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The filtrate isconcentrated and the PMB-protected compound is purified by silica gelcolumn chromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

The PMB-protected compound (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF and then a 1Msolution of TBAF in THF is added. The reaction is stirred until it isdetermined to be complete. The reaction is quenched with a saturatedsolution of NH₄Cl in water and diluted with DCM. The layers areseparated and the organic layer is extracted with brine and dried overNa₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate isconcentrated. The deprotected diol is isolated from the residue bysilica gel column chromatography, using a mixture of DCM and MeOH as theeluent.

The deprotected diol (1 mmol) is added as a solution in DMF (5 mL) to anice cold slurry of NaH 2.2 eq) in DMF (5 mL). This is allowed to stirfor 10 min. and then BnBr is added dropwise. The reaction is allowed tostir until it is determined to be complete. The reaction is quenched bythe addition of water and then diluted with EtOAc. The organic andaqueous phases are separated and the organic phase is washed with 5%LiCl (twice), brine (once) and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The filtrate isconcentrated and the Bn-protected compound is purified by silica gelcolumn chromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

The Bn-protected compound (1 mmol) is dissolved in CHCl₃ (10 mL). Thissolution is cooled in an ice bath and a solution of pTSA (1.1 eq) inMeOH (3 mL) is added in a drop-wise fashion. The reaction is stirreduntil the reaction is complete. The reaction is quenched by adding sat.NaHCO₃ and is diluted with DCM. The layers are separated and the organicphase is extracted with brine and is then dried over Na₂SO₄. The dryingagent is removed by filtration and the filtrate is concentrated.Compound 6 is isolated from the residue by silica gel columnchromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

Compound 7:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-(benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-(fluoromethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

The compound 6 (1 mmol) is dissolved in toluene (10 mL). This solutionis cooled in an ice bath and then DAST (10 eq) is added in a drop-wisefashion. The ice bath is removed and the reaction is allowed to stiruntil it is determined to be complete. The reaction is quenched by theaddition of a saturated solution of NaHCO₃ in water and then dilutedwith EtOAc. The layers are separated and the organic layer is extractedwith brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed byfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated. The product is isolatedfrom the residue by silica gel column chromatography, using a mixture ofEtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

The product from the previous reaction (1 mmol) is dissolved in a 3:1mixture of ACN and water (10 mL). CAN (3 eq) is then added in a singleportion and the reaction is allowed to stir until it is determined to becomplete. The reaction is quenched by the addition of brine and dilutedwith EtOAc. The layers are separated and the organic layer is dried overNa₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate isconcentrated. Compound 7 is isolated from the residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

Compound 8:4-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-(fluoromethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Compound 7 (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10 mL) and then DMAP (2 eq),TPSCl (2 eq), and TEA (2 eq) are added. The reaction is stirred at RTuntil the reaction is determined to be complete. A saturated solution ofNH₃ in THF (100 mL) is then added to the reaction and stirring iscontinued at rt until the reaction is determined to be complete. Thereaction is concentrated and the cytidine product is isolated by silicagel column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of MeOH and DCM.

The cytidine product (1 mmol) from the previous reaction is dissolved inDCM (10 mL). MMTrCl (3 eq) and AgNO₃ (3 eq) are added. The reaction isallowed to stir until it is determined to be complete. The reaction isfiltered, the filtrate is extracted with brine and dried over Na₂SO₄.The drying agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate isconcentrated. The MMTr-protected product is isolated from the residue bysilica gel column chromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanesas the eluent.

The MMTr-protected product (1 mmol) from the previous reaction isdissolved in acetone (10 mL). NH₄HCO₂ (45 eq) and 10% Pd/C (1 g) areadded and the reaction refluxed until it is determined to be complete.The reaction is filtered through a pad of Celite and the filtrate isconcentrated. The deprotected diol product is isolated from the residueby silica gel column chromatography, using a mixture of DCM and MeOH asthe eluent.

The deprotected diol product (1 mmol) from the previous reaction isdissolved in CHCl₃ (10 mL). This solution is cooled in an ice bath and asolution of pTSA (1.1 eq) in MeOH (3 mL) is added in a drop-wisefashion. The reaction is stirred until the reaction is complete. Thereaction is quenched by adding sat. NaHCO₃. The mixture is concentrated,the residue is taken up in MeOH and then filtered. The filtrate isconcentrated and compound 8 is isolated from the residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography, using a mixture of DCM and MeOH as the eluent.

Compound 9:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-(fluoromethyl)-4-hydroxv-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 7 (1 mmol) is dissolved in acetone (10 mL). NH₄HCO₂ (45 eq) and10% Pd/C (1 g) are added and the reaction refluxed until it isdetermined to be complete. The reaction is filtered through a pad ofCelite and the filtrate is concentrated. Compound 9 is isolated from theresidue by silica gel column chromatography, using a mixture of DCM andMeOH as the eluent.

Compound 10:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-5-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-(chloromethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 4 (1 mmol) is dissolved in DCE (10 mL). To this solution isadded Ph₃P (2 eq) and CCl₄ (2 eq). The reaction is heated to 130° C.using microwave irradiation until the reaction is determined to becomplete. The reaction is concentrated and compound 10 is isolated fromthe residue by silica gel column chromatography, using a mixture ofEtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

Compound 11:4-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-(chloromethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Compound 10 (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10 mL) and then DMAP (2 eq),TPSCl (2 eq), and TEA (2 eq) are added. The reaction is stirred at rtuntil the reaction is determined to be complete. A saturated solution ofNH₃ in THF (100 mL) is then added to the reaction and stirring iscontinued at rt until the reaction is determined to be complete. Thereaction is concentrated and the product is isolated by silica gelcolumn chromatography, eluting with a mixture of MeOH and DCM.

The product from the above described reaction is dissolved in THF (10mL) and a solution of 1M TBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reactionis stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reactionis concentrated and compound 11 is isolated from the residue by silicagel column chromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 12:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-(chloromethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 10 (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10 mL) and a solution of 1MTBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reaction is stirred until thereaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is concentrated andcompound 12 is isolated from the residue by silica gel columnchromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 13:(2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-4-chloro-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)tetrahydrofuran-2-carbonitrile

Compound 5 (1 mmol) is dissolved in pyridine (10 mL). To this solutionis added HONH₂HCl (1.5 eq). The reaction is stirred until it isdetermined to be complete. The reaction is quenched by the addition ofwater. The reaction is extracted with EtOAc and the organic phase isdried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed by filtration and thefiltrate is concentrated. The crude product is dissolved in ACN (10 mL)and CDI (1.5 eq) is added. The reaction is stirred until it isdetermined to be complete and is then quenched by adding water. Themixture is extracted with DCM and the combined organics are dried overNa₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate isconcentrated. Compound 13 is isolated from the residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

Compound 14:(2R,3R,4R,5R)-5-(4-amino-2-oxopyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-chloro-3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-carbonitrile

Compound 13 (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10 mL) and then DMAP (2 eq),TPSCl (2 eq), and TEA (2 eq) are added. The reaction is stirred at rtuntil the reaction is determined to be complete. A saturated solution ofNH₃ in THF (100 mL) is then added to the reaction and stirring iscontinued at rt until the reaction is determined to be complete. Thereaction is concentrated and the product is isolated by silica gelcolumn chromatography, eluting with a mixture of MeOH and DCM.

The product from the above described reaction is dissolved in THF (10mL) and a solution of 1M TBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reactionis stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reactionis concentrated and compound 14 is isolated from the residue by silicagel column chromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 15:(2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-chloro-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-carbonitrile

Compound 13 (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10 mL) and a solution of 1MTBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reaction is stirred until thereaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is concentrated andcompound 15 is isolated from the residue by silica gel columnchromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent

Compound 16:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-5-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-ethynyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

(Ph)₃PCH₂Br Br (2 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10 mL). This solution iscooled to −78° C. and tBuOK (1M/THF, 3 mmol) is added in a drop-wisemanner. This solution is stirred at −78° C. and then a solution ofcompound 5 in THF (5 mL) is added in a drop-wise manner. The reaction isthen allowed to warm to room temperature and stirring is continued untilit is determined that the reaction is complete. The reaction is quenchedby the addition of saturated aqueous solution of NH₄Cl. The mixture isextracted with EtOAc and the combined organic extracts are extractedwith brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed byfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated. The product is isolatedfrom this residue by silica gel column chromatography, using a mixtureof EtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

The product from the previous reaction (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10mL). This solution is cooled to −78° C. and then tBuOK (1M/THF, 3 eq) isadded in a drop-wise manner. The reaction is allowed to stir until it isdetermined to be complete. The reaction is quenched by the addition ofsat. NH₄Cl. The mixture is extracted with EtOAc and the combined organicextracts are extracted with brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. The dryingagent is removed by filtration and the filtrate is concentrated.Compound 16 is isolated from this residue by silica gel columnchromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

Compound 17:4-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-ethynyl-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Compound 16 (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10 mL) and then DMAP (2 eq),TPSCl (2 eq), and TEA (2 eq) are added. The reaction is stirred at rtuntil the reaction is determined to be complete.

A saturated solution of NH₃ in THF (100 mL) is then added to thereaction and stirring is continued at rt until the reaction isdetermined to be complete. The reaction is concentrated and the productis isolated by silica gel column chromatography, eluting with a mixtureof MeOH and DCM.

The product from the above described reaction is dissolved in THF (10mL) and a solution of 1M TBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reactionis stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reactionis concentrated and compound 17 is isolated from the residue by silicagel column chromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 18:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-ethynyl-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 16 (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10 mL) and a solution of 1MTBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reaction is stirred until thereaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is concentrated andcompound 18 is isolated from the residue by silica gel columnchromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 19:1-(2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-5-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

(Ph)₃PCH₃Br (4 mmol) is suspended in THF (10 mL) and then nBuLi(2.5M/hexanes, 4 mmol) is added in a drop-wise manner. The cold bath isreplaced with an ice bath and the reaction is stirred for 1 h. To thissolution is added a solution of compound 5 (1 mmol) in THF (5 mL). Theice bath is removed and the reaction is allowed to stir at roomtemperature until it is determined to be complete. The reaction isquenched by the addition of sat. NH₄Cl and the mixture is extracted withEtOAc. The organic phase is extracted with brine and is then dried overNa₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate isconcentrated. Compound 19 is isolated from this residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

Compound 20:4-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Compound 19 (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10 mL) and then DMAP (2 eq),TPSCl (2 eq), and TEA (2 eq) are added. The reaction is stirred at rtuntil the reaction is determined to be complete. A saturated solution ofNH₃ in THF (100 mL) is then added to the reaction and stirring iscontinued at rt until the reaction is determined to be complete. Thereaction is concentrated and the product is isolated by silica gelcolumn chromatography, eluting with a mixture of MeOH and DCM.

The product from the above described reaction is dissolved in THF (10mL) and a solution of 1M TBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reactionis stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reactionis concentrated and compound 20 is isolated from the residue by silicagel column chromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 21:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 19 (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10 mL) and a solution of 1MTBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reaction is stirred until thereaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is concentrated andcompound 21 is isolated from the residue by silica gel columnchromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 22:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-5-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-ethyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 19 (1 mmol) is dissolved in EtOAc (10 mL). 10% Pd/C (1 g) isadded and the reaction vessel atmosphere is evacuated and refilled withH₂. The reaction is stirred vigorously until it is determined to becomplete. The reaction is filtered through a pad of Celite. The filtrateis concentrated and compound 22 isolated from this residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography, using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

Compound 23:4-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Compound 22 (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10 mL) and then DMAP (2 eq),TPSCl (2 eq), and TEA (2 eq) are added. The reaction is stirred at rtuntil the reaction is determined to be complete. A saturated solution ofNH₃ in THF (100 mL) is then added to the reaction and stirring iscontinued at rt until the reaction is determined to be complete. Thereaction is concentrated and the product is isolated by silica gelcolumn chromatography, eluting with a mixture of MeOH and DCM.

The product from the above described reaction is dissolved in THF (10mL) and a solution of 1M TBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reactionis stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reactionis concentrated and compound 23 is isolated from the residue by silicagel column chromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 24:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dioneCompound 22 (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10 mL) and a solution of 1MTBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reaction is stirred until thereaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is concentrated andcompound 24 is isolated from the residue by silica gel columnchromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 25:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-5-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-propyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 5 is converted to compound 25 in a manner similar to theconversion of compound 5 to compound 22 (a Wittig reaction followed by aPd/C catalyzed hydrogenation of the resulting olefin).

Compound 26:4-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-5-propyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Compound 25 (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10 mL) and then DMAP (2 eq),TPSCl (2 eq), and TEA (2 eq) are added. The reaction is stirred at rtuntil the reaction is determined to be complete. A saturated solution ofNH₃ in THF (100 mL) is then added to the reaction and stirring iscontinued at rt until the reaction is determined to be complete. Thereaction is concentrated and the product is isolated by silica gelcolumn chromatography, eluting with a mixture of MeOH and DCM.

The product from the above described reaction is dissolved in THF (10mL) and a solution of 1M TBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reactionis stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reactionis concentrated and compound 26 is isolated from the residue by silicagel column chromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 27:1-(2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-5-propyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 25 (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10 mL) and a solution of 1MTBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reaction is stirred until thereaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is concentrated andcompound 27 is isolated from the residue by silica gel columnchromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 28:((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-acetoxy-4-chloro-2-(chloromethyl)-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methylacetate

Compound 12 (1 mmol) is dissolved in pyridine (10 mL) and Ac₂O (2.1 eq)is added. The reaction is stirred at rt until the reaction is determinedto be complete. The reaction is concentrated and compound 28 is isolatedfrom the residue by silica gel column chromatography using a mixture ofEtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

Compound 29:((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-acetoxy-5-(5-bromo-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-chloro-2-(chloromethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methylacetate

Compound 28 (1 mmol) is dissolved in pyridine (10 mL) and NBS (2 eq) isadded. The reaction is stirred at rt until the reaction is determined tobe complete. The reaction is concentrated and compound 29 is isolatedfrom the residue by silica gel column chromatography using a mixture ofEtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

Compound 30:((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-acetoxy-4-chloro-2-(chloromethyl)-5-(5-fluoro-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methylacetate

Compound 29 (1 mmol) is dissolved in dioxane (10 mL). To this solutionis added Sn₂Me₆ (2 eq) and (Ph₃P)₂PdCl₂ (0.1 eq). The reaction isstirred at 80° C. until the reaction is determined to be complete. Thereaction is concentrated and the stannylated product is isolated fromthe residue by silica gel column chromatography using a mixture of EtOAcand hexanes as the eluent. The stannane (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10mL) and Selectfluor (2.2 eq) is added. The reaction is stirred at rtuntil the reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction isconcentrated and compound 34 is isolated from the residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

Compound 31:4-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-(chloromethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-5-fluoropyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Compound 30 (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10 mL) and then DMAP (2 eq),TPSCl (2 eq), and TEA (2 eq) are added. The reaction is stirred at rtuntil the reaction is determined to be complete. A saturated solution ofNH₃ in water (50 mL) is then added to the reaction and stirring iscontinued at rt until the reaction is determined to be complete. Thereaction is concentrated and compound 35 is isolated by silica gelcolumn chromatography, eluting with a mixture of MeOH and DCM.

Compound 32:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-(chloromethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-5-fluoropyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 30 (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10 mL) and a saturatedsolution of NH₃ in water (50 mL) is then added at rt. The reaction isstirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction isconcentrated and compound 36 is isolated from the residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 33:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-5-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-cyclopropyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 19 (1 mmol) is dissolved in DCM (10 mL). To this solution isadded BzCl (leg), Et₃N (1.5 eq) and DMAP (0.1 eq). The reaction isstirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction isquenched by the addition of a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO₃. Thismixture is diluted with DCM and the layers are separated. The organicphase is extracted with 0.1N HCl, brine and then dried over Na₂SO₄. Thedrying agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate is concentrated.The benzoylated product is isolated from the residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

The benzoylated product (1 mmol) is combined with Pd(OAc)₂ (0.1 eq) inACN (10 mL) and this solution is added to a solution of CH₂N₂ in Et₂O(100 mL). The reaction is stirred until the reaction is determined to becomplete. The reaction is quenched by the addition AcOH. The mixture isextracted with a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO₃, brine and thendried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed by filtration and thefiltrate is concentrated.

The crude cyclopropanated product (1 mmol) is taken up 7N NH₃ in MeOH.The reaction is stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete.The reaction is concentrated and compound 33 is isolated from theresidue by silica gel column chromatography using a mixture of EtOAc andhexanes as the eluent.

Compound 34:4-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Compound 22 (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10 mL) and then DMAP (2 eq),TPSCl (2 eq), and TEA (2 eq) are added. The reaction is stirred at rtuntil the reaction is determined to be complete. A saturated solution ofNH₃ in THF (100 mL) is then added to the reaction and stirring iscontinued at rt until the reaction is determined to be complete. Thereaction is concentrated and the product is isolated by silica gelcolumn chromatography, eluting with a mixture of MeOH and DCM.

The product from the above described reaction is dissolved in THF (10mL) and a solution of 1M TBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reactionis stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reactionis concentrated and compound 34 is isolated from the residue by silicagel column chromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 35:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 33 (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10 mL) and a solution of 1MTBAF in THF (3 eq) is added at rt. The reaction is stirred until thereaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is concentrated andcompound 35 is isolated from the residue by silica gel columnchromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 36:1-((2R,3R,4R)-4-(benzyloxy)-3-chloro-5,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-3-(4-methoxybenzyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 1 (1 mmol) is dissolved in DMF (10 mL). To this solution isadded K₂CO₃ (5 eq) and then PMBCl (1.1 eq). The reaction is stirreduntil the reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is dilutedwith EtOAc and water. The layers are separated and the organic phase iswashed with a 5% solution of LiCl in water (twice) and brine. Theorganic phase is then dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed byfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated. The resulting residue isdissolved in DMF (10 mL) and cooled to 0° C. To this cooled solution isadded NaH (1.1 eq), followed by BnBr (1.2 eq). The reaction is stirreduntil the reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction isquenched by the addition of a saturated solution of NH₄Cl in water. Themixture is diluted with EtOAc. The layers are separated and the organicphase is washed with a 5% solution of LiCl in water (twice) and brine.The organic phase is then dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removedby filtration and the filtrate is concentrated. The Bn-protectedmaterial is purified from this residue by silica gel columnchromatography using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

The Bn-protected compound (1 mmol) is then dissolved in MeOH (10 mL) andNaOMe (15 eq) is added. The reaction is stirred until the reaction isdetermined to be complete. The reaction is quenched by the addition ofAcOH and the resulting mixture is concentrated. Compound 36 is purifiedfrom this residue by silica gel column chromatography using a mixture ofEtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

Compound 37:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-(benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-3-(4-methoxybenzyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 36 (1 mmol) is dissolved in pyridine (10 mL). To this solutionis added BzCl (1 eq). The reaction is stirred until the reaction isdetermined to be complete. The reaction is diluted with EtOAc and water.The layers are separated and the organic phase is washed with water andbrine. The organic phase is then dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent isremoved by filtration and the filtrate is concentrated. The mono-Bzprotected material is purified from this residue by silica gel columnchromatography using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

The above Bz-protected material (1 mmol) is dissolved in DMF (10 mL). Tothis solution is added Cs₂CO₃ (5 eq) and then BnBr (1.1 eq). Thereaction is stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. Thereaction is diluted with EtOAc and water. The layers are separated andthe organic phase is washed with a 5% solution of LiCl in water (twice)and brine. The organic phase is then dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agentis removed by filtration and the filtrate is concentrated. ThebisBn-protected material is purified from this residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

The bisBn-protected compound (1 mmol) is then dissolved in MeOH (10 mL)and NaOMe (15 eq) is added. The reaction is stirred until the reactionis determined to be complete. The reaction is quenched by the additionof AcOH and the resulting mixture is concentrated. Compound 37 ispurified from this residue by silica gel column chromatography using amixture of EtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

Compound 38:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-(benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-((R)-1-fluoroethyptetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 37 (1 mmol) is dissolved in DCM (10 mL). To this solution isadded Dess-Martin Periodinane (1.1 eq). The reaction is stirred untilthe reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is concentratedand the product aldehyde is isolated from the residue by silica gelcolumn chromatography using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes as theeluent.

The aldehyde from above (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10 mL) and thesolution is cooled to −78° C. To this cooled solution is added MeMgBr (3eq). The reaction is stirred until the reaction is determined to becomplete. The reaction is quenched by the addition of a saturatedaqueous solution of NH₄Cl. The resulting mixture is diluted with EtOAcand the layers are separated. The organic phase is then dried overNa₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate isconcentrated. The product alcohol is purified from this residue bysilica gel column chromatography using a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes asthe eluent.

The alcohol from above (1 mmol) is dissolved in toluene (10 mL). To thissolution is added DAST (5 eq). The reaction is stirred until thereaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is quenched by theaddition of a saturated aqueous solution of Na₂CO₃. The resultingmixture is diluted with EtOAc and the layers are separated. The organicphase is then dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed byfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated. The product fluoride ispurified from this residue by silica gel column chromatography using amixture of EtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

The fluoride from above (1 mmol) is dissolved in a 3:1 mixture ofACN:H20 (10 mL). To this solution is added CAN (4 eq). The reaction isstirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction isdiluted with brine and EtOAc. The layers are separated and the organicphase is then dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed byfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated. Compound 38 is purifiedfrom this residue by silica gel column chromatography using a mixture ofEtOAc and hexanes as the eluent.

Compound 39:4-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-((R)-1-fluoroethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Compound 38 (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10 mL) and then DMAP (2 eq),TPSCl (2 eq), and TEA (2 eq) are added. The reaction is stirred at rtuntil the reaction is determined to be complete. Concentrated aqueousNH₄OH (15 mL) is then added to the reaction and stirring is continued atrt until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction isconcentrated and the product is isolated by silica gel columnchromatography, eluting with a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes.

The aminated product from above (1 mmol) is dissolved in DCM (10 mL). Tothis solution is added MMTrCl (2.1 eq) and AgNO₃ (2.1 eq) .The reactionis stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reactionis filtered and the filtrate is washed with brine and then dried overNa₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate isconcentrated. The MMTr-protected product is isolated from the residue bysilica gel column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of EtOAc andhexanes.

The MMTr-protected product from above (1 mmol) is dissolved in acetone(10 mL). To this solution is added HCO₂NH₄ (20 eq) and 10% Pd/C (2 g).The reaction is refluxed until the reaction is determined to becomplete. The reaction is cooled and the filtered. The filtrate isconcentrated and the residue is taken back up in EtOAc. This solution isextracted with brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removedby filtration and the filtrate is concentrated. The deprotected productis purified from this residue by silica gel column chromatography usinga mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

The deprotected product from above (1 mmol) is dissolved in an 80%aqueous solution of AcOH. The reaction is stirred until the reaction isdetermined to be complete. The solvent is removed from the reaction byevaporation and the residue is coevaped twice with toluene. Compound 39is purified from this residue by silica gel column chromatography usinga mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 40:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-((R)-1-fluoroethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 38 (1 mmol) is dissolved in acetone (10 mL). To this solutionis added HCO₂NH₄ (20 eq) and 10% Pd/C (2 g). The reaction is refluxeduntil the reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is cooledand the filtered. The filtrate is concentrated and the residue is takenback up in DCM. This solution is extracted with brine and dried overNa₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate isconcentrated. The deprotected product is purified from this residue bysilica gel column chromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as theeluent.

Compound 41:1-((2R,3R,4R)-3-chloro-5,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4-((4-methoxyphenyl)diphenylmethoxy)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 1 (1 mmol) is dissolved in DCM (10 mL). To this solution isadded AgNO₃ (2 eq) and collidine (1 eq) and MMTrCl (4 eq). The reactionstirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction isfiltered through celite, washing forward with DCM. The filtrate iswashed with 1M citric acid, half-saturated brine and 5% NaHCO₃. Theorganic phase is then dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed byfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated. The MMTr-protected productis isolated from the residue by silica gel column chromatography,eluting with a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes.

The MMTr-protected compound from above (1 mmol) is then dissolved inMeOH (10 mL) and NaOMe (15 eq) is added. The reaction is stirred untilthe reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction is cooled to 0°C. and quenched by the addition of AcOH (15 eq) and the resultingmixture is concentrated. Compound 41 is purified from this residue bysilica gel column chromatography using a mixture of MeOH and DCM as theeluent.

Compound 42:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-(hydroxymethyl)-4-((4-methoxyphenyl)diphenylmethoxy)-5-((methylthio)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 41 is (1 mmol) dissolved in DCM (10 mL). To this solution isadded pyridine (10 mL) is added and the reaction is cooled to −35° C.Tf₂O (2.1 eq) is added to the reaction the reaction is stirred at −35°C. until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction isquenched by the addition of water. The mixture is extracted with EtOAcand the combined organic washes are dried over Na₂SO₄. The filteringagent is removed by filtration and the filtrate is concentrated. Thebis-triflated product is isolated from the residue by silica gel columnchromatography, eluting with a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes.

The bis-triflated product from above (1 mmol) is dissolved in DMF (10mL). This solution is cooled to 0° C. and NaH (1.1 eq) is added. Thereaction is stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. Tothis mixture is added NaSMe (3 eq) and 15-Crown-5 (0.1 eq). The reactionis stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reactionis diluted EtOAc and a saturated aqueous solution of NH₄Cl. The layersare separated and the organic phase is extracted brine and dried overNa₂SO₄. The filtering agent is removed by filtration and the filtrate isconcentrated. The anhydro product is isolated from the residue by silicagel column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes.

The anhydro product from above (1 mmol) is dissolved in THF (10 mL). Tothis solution is added a 1N aqueous solution of NaOH (1.1 eq). Thereaction is stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. Thereaction is diluted with EtOAc and a saturated aqueous solution ofNaHCO₃. The layers are separated and the organic phase is extracted withbrine and dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed by filtrationand the filtrate is concentrated. Compound 42 is isolated from theresidue by silica gel column chromatography, eluting with a mixture ofEtOAc and hexanes.

Compound 43:4-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-5-((methylthio)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Compound 42 (1 mmol) is dissolved in DCM (10 mL). To this solution isadded AgNO₃ (2 eq) and collidine (1 eq) and MMTrCl (4 eq). The reactionstirred until the reaction is determined to be complete. The reaction isfiltered through celite, washing forward with DCM. The filtrate iswashed with 1M citric acid, half-saturated brine and 5% NaHCO₃. Theorganic phase is then dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed byfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated. The MMTr-protected productis isolated from the residue by silica gel column chromatography,eluting with a mixture of EtOAc and hexanes.

The MMTr-protected product from above (1 mmol) is dissolved in ACN (10mL) and then DMAP (2 eq), TPSCl (2 eq), and TEA (2 eq) are added. Thereaction is stirred at rt until the reaction is determined to becomplete. Concentrated aqueous NH₄OH (15 mL) is then added to thereaction and stirring is continued at rt until the reaction isdetermined to be complete. The reaction is concentrated and the productis isolated by silica gel column chromatography, eluting with a mixtureof EtOAc and hexanes.

The aminated product from above (1 mmol) is dissolved in an 80% aqueoussolution of AcOH. The reaction is stirred until the reaction isdetermined to be complete. The solvent is removed from the reaction byevaporation and the residue is coevaped twice with toluene. Compound 43is purified from this residue by silica gel column chromatography usinga mixture of MeOH and DCM as the eluent.

Compound 44:1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-5-((methylthio)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Compound 43 (1 mmol) is dissolved in an 80% aqueous solution of AcOH.The reaction is stirred until the reaction is determined to be complete.The solvent is removed from the reaction by evaporation and the residueis coevaped twice with toluene. Compound 44 is purified from thisresidue by silica gel column chromatography using a mixture of MeOH andDCM as the eluent.

Nucleoside Triphosphates

General Synthesis of Nucleoside Triphosphates

General Procedure:

A nucleoside of the general formula GS-1 (1 mmol) is dissolved inP(O)(OMe)₃ (10 mL) and cooled in an ice bath. To this solution is addedP(O)Cl₃(2 eq). The reaction is allowed to stir in the ice bath until atleast 50% conversion is determined to have occurred. A solution of[nBu₃]₂P₂O₇H₂ (10 eq) in ACN (10 mL) is then added. The reaction isallowed to stir at 0° C. until the reaction is determined to havecompleted. The reaction is then quenched by the addition of a 1Msolution of triethylammonium bicarbonate (5 mL). The reaction isconcentrated and the residue is semi-purified by ion exchange columnchromatography. This semi-purified material is further purified byreverse phase C18 column chromatography using 0.1% TEA as a modifier toyield the nucleoside triphosphate of the general formula GS-2 as thetetra-TEA salt.

General Synthesis of Acyclic Phosphoramidate Prodrugs

General Procedure:

A nucleoside of the general formula GS-1 (1 mmol) is dissolved in a 9:1mixture of THF:NMP (10 mL). This solution is cooled to −78° C. and a 1Msolution of tBuMgCl in THF (2 eq) is added. This solution is stirred for30 min at −78° C. and then at 0° C. for 1 hr. To this solution is addeda solution of the para-nitrophenol phosphoramidate (1.1 eq) in THF (5mL). The resulting reaction is allowed to stir until it is determined tohave completed. The reaction is quenched with a saturated aqueoussolution of NH₄Cl and diluted with EtOAc. The layers are separated andthe organic phase is further extracted with water and brine. The organicphase is dried over Na₂SO₄, the drying agent is removed by vacuumfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated. Purification of thisconcentrate by silica gel column chromatography yields the nucleosideprodrug of the general formula GS-3.

General Synthesis of Acyclic Phosphate Prodrugs

General Procedure:

A nucleoside of the general formula GS-1 (1 mmol) is dissolved in a 9:1mixture of THF:NMP (10 mL). This solution is cooled to −78° C. and a 1Msolution of tBuMgCl in THF (2 eq) is added. This solution is stirred for30 min at −78° C. and then at 0° C. for 1 hr. To this solution is addeda solution of the para-nitrophenol phosphate ester (1.1 eq) in THF (5mL). The resulting reaction is allowed to stir until it is determined tohave completed. The reaction is quenched with a saturated aqueoussolution of NH₄Cl and diluted with EtOAc. The layers are separated andthe organic phase is further extracted with water and brine. The organicphase is dried over Na₂SO₄, the drying agent is removed by vacuumfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated. Purification of thisconcentrate by silica gel column chromatography yields the nucleosideprodrug of the general formula GS-4.

General Synthesis of Cyclic Phosphoramidate Prodrugs

General Procedure:

A nucleoside of the general formula GS-1 (1 mmol) is dissolved in a 9:1mixture of THF:NMP (10 mL). This solution is cooled to −78° C. and a 1Msolution of tBuMgCl in THF (2 eq) is added. This solution is stirred for30 min at −78° C. and then at 0° C. for 1 hr. To this solution is addeda solution of the chlorophosphoramidate (1.1 eq) in THF (5 mL). Theresulting reaction is allowed to stir until it is determined to havecompleted. The reaction is quenched with a saturated aqueous solution ofNH₄Cl and diluted with EtOAc. The layers are separated and the organicphase is further extracted with water and brine. The organic phase isdried over Na₂SO₄, the drying agent is removed by vacuum filtration andthe filtrate is concentrated. Purification of this concentrate by silicagel column chromatography yields the acyclic phosphoramidateintermediate.

The above acyclic phosphoramidate intermediate (1 mmol) is dissolved inDMSO. To this solution is added tBuOK (1 eg). The reaction is stirreduntil it is determined to be complete. The reaction is cooled to 0° C.and quenched by the addition of 1N HCl (1 eq of HCl). The resultingmixture is concentrated. Purification of this concentrate by silica gelcolumn chromatography yields the nucleoside prodrug of the generalformula GS-5.

General Synthesis of Cyclic Phosphate Prodrugs

General Procedure:

A nucleoside of the general formula GS-1 (1 mmol) is dissolved in a 9:1mixture of THF:NMP (10 mL). This solution is cooled to −78° C. and a 1Msolution of tBuMgCl in THF (2 eq) is added. This solution is stirred for30 min at −78° C. and then at 0° C. for 1 hr. To this solution is addeda solution of the bis para-nitrophenol phosphate ester (1.1 eq) in THF(5 mL). The resulting reaction is allowed to stir until it is determinedto have completed. The reaction is quenched with a saturated aqueoussolution of NH₄Cl and diluted with EtOAc. The layers are separated andthe organic phase is further extracted with water and brine. The organicphase is dried over Na₂SO₄, the drying agent is removed by vacuumfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated. Purification of thisconcentrate by silica gel column chromatography yields the acyclicpara-nitrophenol phosphate ester intermediate.

The above acyclic para-nitrophenol phosphate ester intermediate (1 mmol)is dissolved in DMSO. To this solution is added tBuOK (1 eq). Thereaction is stirred until it is determined to be complete. The reactionis cooled to 0° C. and quenched by the addition of 1N HCl (leq of HCl).The resulting mixture is concentrated. Purification of this concentrateby silica gel column chromatography yields the nucleoside prodrug of thegeneral formula GS-5.

General Synthesis of Ester, Carbamate, Carbonate Prodrucis (R²═NH₂)

General Procedure:

A nucleoside of the general formula GS-1 (1 mmol) is dissolved in DMF(10 mL). To this solution is added N′,N′-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal. The reaction is stirred overnight. The reaction is concentratedand the resulting amidine protected product is used as is in the nextreaction.

To the above amidine protected product (1 mmol) is dissolved in DCM (10mL). To this solution is added DIPEA (2.2 eq). To this solution is addedeither an acid chloride (2 eq), a chloroformate (2 eq) or a carbamicchloride (2 eq), in order to access the bis-ester, bis-carbonate, or thebis-carbamate, respectively. Once the reaction is determined to havecompleted the reaction is quenched by the addition of a saturatedsolution of NaHCO₃. The mixture is diluted with EtOAc and the layers areseparated. The organic layer is washed with water and brine and thendried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed by filtration and thefiltrate is concentrated. The resulting crude product is taken on intothe next reaction.

The above described crude bis-ester, bis-carbonate, or bis-carbamate (1mmol) is dissolved in MeOH (10 mL). To this solution is added hydrazinehydrate (10 eq).The reaction is stirred until complete and the reactionis concentrated. Purification of this concentrate by silica gel columnchromatography yields the nucleoside prodrug of the general formulaGS-7.

General Synthesis of Ester, Carbamate, Carbonate Prodrucis (R²═OH)

General Procedure:

A nucleoside of the general formula GS-1 (1 mmol) is dissolved in DMF(10 mL). To this solution is added DBU (1.2 eq) and BOMCl (1.1 eq). Thereaction is stirred until complete. The reaction is quenched by theaddition of MeOH and resulting mixture is concentrated. Purification ofthis concentrate by silica gel column chromatography yields theBOM-protected nucleoside.

The above described BOM-protected nucleoside (1 mmol) is dissolved inDCM (10 mL). To this solution is added DIPEA (2.2 eq). To this solutionis added either an acid chloride (2 eq), a chloroformate (2 eq) or acarbamic chloride (2 eq), in order to access the bis-ester,bis-carbonate, or the bis-carbamate, respectively. Once the reaction isdetermined to have completed the reaction is quenched by the addition ofa saturated solution of NaHCO₃. The mixture is diluted with EtOAc andthe layers are separated. The organic layer is washed with water andbrine and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The drying agent is removed byfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated. Purification of thisconcentrate by silica gel column chromatography yields the BOM-protectedbis-ester, bis-carbonate or bis-carbamate.

The above described BOM-protected bis-ester, bis-carbonate orbis-carbamate (1 mmol) is dissolved in EtOH (10 mL). To this solution isadded 10% Pd(OH)_(2/)C. The atmosphere of the reaction vessel isexchanged for H2 and the reaction is stirred until it is complete. Thereaction is filtered through Celite and the filtrate is concentrated.Purification of this concentrate by silica gel column chromatographyyields the nucleoside prodrug of the general formula GS-8.

Synthesis of Examples 1 and 2

Intermediate2-((3R,4R,5R)-3-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-4-chloro-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)tetrahydrofuran-2,2-diyl)bis(methylene)dibenzoate

Intermediate 1 (Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun. 1997, 62, pp. 957-970)(590 mg, 1.18 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (5mL). tert-Butyldimethylsilyl chloride (889 mg, 5.9 mmol) and imidazole(804 mg, 11.8 mmol) were added to the reaction which was then stirred at50° C. for 16 hrs. HPLC showed ˜16% conversion. The reaction was warmedto 65° C. and stirred for 3 hrs. HPLC showed ˜17% conversion. Thereaction was warmed to 80° C. and stirred for 2 hrs. HPLC showed ˜42%conversion. More tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (889 mg, 5.9 mmol) andimidazole (804 mg, 11.8 mmol) were added. The reaction was stirred at80° C. for 48 hrs.

HPLC showed ˜89% conversion. The reaction was cooled to room temperatureand diluted with ethyl acetate (40 mL). The mixture was washed withsaturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (20 mL) and then brine (20mL). The organic was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified viaSiO₂ column chromatography (40 g SiO₂ Combiflash HP Gold Column 0-40%ethyl acetate/hexanes) to yield a mixture of Intermediates 2 and 3(655mg mixture of isomers, 90%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.17-7.96 (m, 5H), 7.69-7.34 (m, 6H),6.42-6.34 (m, 1H), 6.01 (m, 1H), 5.65 (m, 1H), 5.00 (dd, J=12.8 Hz, 1H),4.85-4.71 (m, 2H), 4.65-4.47 (m, 3H), 4.05-3.97 (m, 1H), 3.90-3.80 (m,1H), 0.97 (s, 9H), 0.78 (s, 9H), 0.19 (s, 3H), 0.13 (s, 3H), −0.01 (s,3H), −0.15 (s, 3H).

MS m/z=614.9 [M+1]

Intermediate4-1-((2R,3R,4R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-3-chloro-5,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

A mixture of Intermediates 2 and 3 (655 mg, 1.06 mmol) was dissolved inmethanol (10 mL). Potassium carbonate (352 mg, 2.13 mmol) was added tothe reaction and stirred for 12 hrs.

The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (50 mL) and washedwith saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (20 mL) and thenbrine (20 mL). The organic was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified viaSiO₂ column chromatography (40 g SiO₂ Combiflash HP Gold Column 0-65-90%ethyl acetate/hexanes) to afford Intermediates 4 and 5 (200 mg ofIntermediate 4 (lower spot)and 135 mg of Intermediate 5 (top spot),78%).

Intermediate 4:

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.32 (s, 1H), 7.33 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 5.77(dd, J=8.1, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 5.71 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 4.92 (dd, J=7.4, 6.5Hz, 1H), 4.68 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (ddd, J=29.3, 12.1, 2.7 Hz, 2H),3.62 (ddd, J=12.3, 9.0, 5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.01 (dd, J=8.7, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 2.35(dd, J=9.8, 3.8 Hz, 1H), 0.96 (s, 9H), 0.20 (s, 3H), 0.16 (s, 3H).

MS m/z=406.9 [M+1], 405.1 [M−1]

Intermediate6-1-((2R,3R,4R,5S)-5-((bis(4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methoxy)methyl)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-3-chloro-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Intermediate 4 (120 mg, 0.29 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrousdichloromethane (5 mL). Anhydrous pyridine (1 mL) was added to thereaction which was then cooled in an ice bath and stirred underatmosphere nitrogen. 4,4′-Dimethoxytrityl chloride (120 mg, 0.35 mmol)was added to the reaction in one portion. Reaction was stirred for 2hrs. More 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl chloride (120 mg, 0.35 mmol) was addedand stirred for 2 hrs. Methanol (2 mL) was added to stop the reactionwhich was then concentrated under reduced pressure. Residue wasdissolved with ethyl acetate (40 mL) and washed with saturated aqueoussodium bicarbonate solution (20 mL) and then brine (20 mL). The organicwas dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude was purified via SiO₂ column chromatography (4 gSiO₂ Combiflash HP Gold Column 0-40% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to affordIntermediate 6 (190 mg, 92%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 11.49 (s, 1H), 7.86 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H),7.41-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.31-7.15 (m, 7H), 6.85 (dd, J=9.0, 2.2 Hz, 4H), 6.04(d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 5.77 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 5.29 (m, 1H), 4.72 (dd,J=8.1, 5.4 Hz, 1H), 4.42 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (dd, J=11.5, 4.8 Hz,1H), 3.71 (s, 6H), 3.52 (dd, J=11.4, 5.4 Hz, 1H), 3.44 (d, J=10.6 Hz,1H), 2.83 (d, J=10.6 Hz, 1H), 0.68 (s, 9H), −0.01 (s, 3H), −0.29 (s,3H).

MS m/z=707.4 [M−1], 731.2 [M+Na]

Intermediate7-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyi)oxy)-5-(((tert-butyldiphenyisilyl)oxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Intermediate 6 (180 mg, 0.254 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrousN,N-dimethylformamide (5 mL). Imidazole (138 mg, 2.03 mmol) andtert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride (260 uL, 1.02 mmol) were added.Reaction was stirred at 50° C. for 16 hrs.

More imidazole (140 mg, 2.03 mmol) and tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride(260 uL, 1.02 mmol) were added. Reaction was stirred at 50° C. for 8hrs. More imidazole (140 mg, 2.03 mmol) and tert-butyldiphenylsilylchloride (260 uL, 1.02 mmol) were added. Reaction was stirred at 50° C.for 16 hrs.

HPLC showed ˜94% conversion. Reaction was cooled to room temperature,diluted with ethyl acetate (40 mL) and washed with brine (20 mL) threetimes. The organic was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude was purified via SiO₂column chromatography (4 g SiO₂Combiflash HP Gold Column 0-20-50% ethylacetate/hexanes) to afford title compound (205 mg, 85%) as colorlessoil.

Material was dissolved in 80% v/v acetic acid aqueous solution (10 mL)and stirred for 4 hrs. Reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate (40 mL)and washed with brine (20 mL) three times. Organic was then washed withsaturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (20 mL) twice to give pHof 8. The organic was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude was purified via SiO₂column chromatography (4 g SiO₂ Combiflash HP Gold Column 0-35% ethylacetate/hexanes) to afford Intermediate 7 (106 mg, 59% over 2 steps).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.79 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.57 (m, 4H), 7.54-7.37 (m,6H), 6.23 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 5.54-5.45 (m, 1H), 4.49-4.41 (m, 1H), 4.37(dd, J=7.9, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 3.96 (d, J=11.4 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (d, J=12.3 Hz,1H), 3.74 (d, J=11.4 Hz, 1H), 3.56 (d, J=12.3 Hz, 1H), 1.11 (s, 9H),0.93 (s, 9H), 0.16 (s, 3H), 0.03 (s, 3H).

MS m/z=643.5 [M−1], 667.4 [M+Na]

Intermediate8-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-5-(((tert-butyldiphenyisilyl)oxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-(chloromethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Intermediate 7 (104 mg, 0.164 mmol) was dissolved in 1,2-dichloroethane(2 mL) and stirred under argon gas. Carbon tetrachloride (32 uL, 0.328mmol) and triphenylphosphine (86mg, 0.328 mmol) were added to reactionwhich was then microwaved at 130° C. for 40 mins. The reaction wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude was purified via SiO₂column chromatography (4 g SiO₂ Combiflash HP Gold Column 0-20% ethylacetate/hexanes) to afford Intermediate 8 (76 mg, 70%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.45 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.72-7.57 (m, 4H),7.54-7.34 (m, 7H), 6.15 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 5.54 (dd, J=8.2, 2.2 Hz, 1H),4.45-4.34 (m, 2H), 4.00 (d, J=11.2 Hz, 1H), 3.91-3.76 (m, 2H), 3.58 (d,J=12.1 Hz, 1H), 1.12 (s, 9H), 0.94 (s, 9H), 0.16 (s, 3H), 0.04 (s, 3H).MS m/z=661.5 [M−1]

Intermediate9-4-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyi)oxy)-5-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-3-chloro-5-(chloromethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Intermediate 8 (74 mg, 0.111 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrousacetonitrile (5 mL). Triethylamine (31 uL, 0.223 mmol) and2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (68 mg, 0.223 mmol) wereadded to the reaction. 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine (27 mg, 0.223 mmol) wasadded to the reaction and stirred at room temperature for 16 hrs.

0.5M ammonia in 1,4-dioxane (5 mL) was added to the reaction and stirredfor 2 hrs. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Theresidue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (40 mL) and washed with saturatedaqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (10 mL) and brine (10 mL). Theorganic was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude was purified via SiO₂ column chromatography(4 g SiO₂ Combiflash HP Gold Column 0-80% ethyl acetate/hexanes) toafford Intermediate 9 (57 mg, 78%).

MS m/z=662.0 [M+1]

Example 14-amino-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R)-3-chloro-5-(chloromethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

Intermediate 9 (50 mg, 0.075 mmol) was dissolved in anhydroustetrahydrofuran (5 mL). Tetrabutylammonium fluoride trihydrate (119mg,0.377 mmol) was added, and the reaction was stirred at room temperaturefor 30 mins. HPLC showed reaction was completed. Trifluoroacetic acid(29 uL, 0.377 mmol) was added to give slightly acidic solution. Themixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and purified with prepHPLC (Phenomenex Gemini C₁₈ column, 0-100% acetonitrile/water).Fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure.Material was re-purified with prep-HPLC (Phenomenex Gemini C₁₈ column,0-50% acetonitrile/water with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid as modifier).Fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure.Material was dissolved in water (1 mL) and small amount of saturatedaqueous sodium bicarbonate solution was then added to give pH of 8.Solution was loaded onto a pre-packed C₁₈ column equilibrated withwater. Column was washed with water (5 column volumes) and then elutedwith 70% acetonitrile in water. Fractions were combined and freeze-driedto afford Example 1 (9.4 mg, 40%).

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, D₂O) δ 7.61 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 6.11 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H),5.97 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.72 (dd, J=8.7, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 4.39 (d, J=5.2 Hz,1H), 3.86-3.66 (m, 4H).

MS m/z=309.8 [M+1]

Example 2((2R,3R,4R,5R)-5-(4-amino-2-oxopyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-chloro-2-(chloromethyl)-3-hydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyltetrahydrogen triphosphate

To a solution of Example 1 (4.08 mg, 0.013 mmol) and NaHCO₃ (7 mg, 0.083mmol) in PO(OMe)₃ (0.3 mL) at 0° C. was added POCI₃ (31 mg, 0.202 mmol).The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 4 h, at which pointion-exchange HPLC showed approximately 80% conversion. A solution ofpyrophosphate tributylamine salts (250 mg) in CH₃CN (0.5 mL) was added,followed by tributylamine (125 mg, 0.67 mmol). The reaction mixture wasstirred at 0° C. for 0.5 h, and ion-exchange HPLC showed the reactionwas completed. The reaction was quenched with triethylammoniumbicarbonate buffer (1 M, 8 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at RTfor 0.5 h, then concentrated and co-evaporated with water twice. Theresidue was dissolved in H₂O (5 mL) and loaded to a ion-exchange column,eluted with H₂O, then 5-35% triethylammonium bicarbonate buffer(1M)-H₂O. The product fractions were combined, concentrated andco-evaporated with H₂O to give about 28 mg of material. The material wasdissolved in 2 mL of H₂O and treated with NaHCO₃ (40 mg). The resultingmixture was purified with C-18 column, eluted with H2O, and thefractions containing product were combined and concentrated underreduced pressure to afford Example 2 as the tetra-sodium salt (3.0 mg,35.7%).

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, D₂O): δ 7.77 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.24 (d, J=6.8 Hz,1H), 6.07 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.6-4.7 (m, 2H), 4.1-4.25 (m, 2H), 3.89 (d,J=12.8 Hz, 1H), 3.79 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H).

³¹P NMR (400 MHz, D₂O): δ −8.10 (d, J=50.8 Hz), -13.76 (d, J=46 Hz),−23.97 (t, J=49.4 Hz).

MS m/z=548.4 [M−1], 549.9 [M+1]

Methods for Determining EC₅₀'s for the Inhibition of RSV in Cells andIC₅₀'s for the Inhibition of RSV Viral Polymerase

The following assays could be used to determine the EC₅₀ of thedescribed nucleosides for the inhibition of RSV in cell culture and todetermine the IC50 of the described nucleoside triphosphates for theinhibition of the RSV viral polymerase.

RSV Pol IC₅₀ Determination

Transcription reactions contained 5 μg of crude RSV RNP complexes in 30μL of reaction buffer [50 mM TRIS-acetate (pH 8.0), 120 mM potassiumacetate, 5% glycerol, 4.5 mM MgCl₂, 3 mM DTT, 2 mMethyleneglycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), 50 μg/mLBSA, 2.5 U RNasin (Promega), ATP, GTP, UTP, CTP and 1.5 uCi [α-³²P] NTP(3000 Ci/mmol)]. The radiolabled nucleotide used in the transcriptionassay was selected to match the nucleotide analog being evaluated forinhibition of RSV RNP transcription. Cold, competitive NTP was added ata final concentration of one-half its K_(m) (ATP=20 μM, GTP=12.5 μM,UTP=6 μM and CTP=2 μM). The three remaining nucleotides were added at afinal concentration of 100 μM.

To determine whether nucleotide analogs inhibited RSV RNP transcription,compounds were added using a 6 step serial dilution in 5-foldincrements. Following a 90 minute incubation at 30° C., the RNPreactions were stopped with 350 μL of Qiagen RLT lysis buffer and theRNA was purified using a Qiagen RNeasy 96 kit. Purified RNA wasdenatured in RNA sample loading buffer (Sigma) at 65° C. for 10 minutesand run on a 1.2% agarose/MOPS gel containing 2M formaldehyde. Theagarose gel was dried and exposed to a Storm phosphorimager screen anddeveloped using a Storm phosphorimager (GE Healthcare). Theconcentration of compound that reduced total radiolabled transcripts by50% (IC₅₀) was calculated by non-linear regression analysis of tworeplicates.

RSV Cell Culture EC₅₀ Determination

Antiviral activity against RSV is determined using an infectiouscytopathic cell protection assay in HEp-2 cells. In this assay,compounds inhibiting viral infection and/or replication produce acytoprotective effect against the virus-induced cell killing that can bequantified using a cell viability reagent. The techniques used here arenovel adaptations of methods described in published literature (Chapmanet al., Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2007, 51(9):3346-53.)

HEp-2 cells are obtained from ATCC (Manassas, Va.) and maintained in MEMmedia supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum andpenicillin/streptomycin. Cells are passaged twice a week and kept atsubconfluent stage. Commercial stock of RSV strain A2 (AdvancedBiotechnologies, Columbia, Md.) is titered before compound testing todetermine the appropriate dilution of the virus stock that generatesdesirable cytopathic effect in HEp-2 cells.

For antiviral tests, HEp-2 cells are grown in large cell culture flasksto near confluency but not fully so. The compounds to be tested areprediluted in DMSO in 384-well compound dilution plates, either in an 8or 40 sample per plate standardized dose response format. 3-fold serialdilution increments of each test compound are prepared in the plates andtest samples are transferred via acoustic transfer apparatus (Echo,Labcyte) at 100 nl per well into cell culture assay 384-well plates.Each compound dilution is transferred in single or quadruplicate samplesinto dry assay plates, which are stored until assay is ready to go. Thepositive and negative controls are laid out in opposite on ends of theplate in vertical blocks (1 column).

Subsequently, an infectious mixture is prepared using an appropriatedilution of virus stock previously determined by titration with cells ata density of 50,000/ml and 20 uL/well is added to test platesw/compounds via automation (uFlow, Biotek). Each plate includes negativeand positive controls (16 replicates each) to create 0% and 100% virusinhibition standards, respectively. Following the infection with RSV,testing plates are incubated for 4 days in a 37° C. cell cultureincubator. After the incubation, a cell viability reagent, Cell TiterGlo(Promega, Madison, Wis.) is added to the assay plates, which areincubated briefly, and a luminescent readout is measured (Envision,Perkin Elmer) in all the assay plates. The RSV-induced cytopathiceffect, percentage inhibition, is determined from the levels ofremaining cell viability. These numbers are calculated for each testedconcentration relative to the 0% and 100% inhibition controls, and theEC₅₀ value for each compound is determined by non-linear regression as aconcentration inhibiting the RSV-induced cytopathic effect by 50%.Various potent anti-RSV tool compounds are used as positive controls forantiviral activity.

The EC₅₀ for Example 1 is >50 μM

What is claimed:
 1. A compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof:

wherein: R¹ is selected from NH and N; the dashed line (

), in conjunction with the solid line to which it is parallel,represents an optional double bond; R² is selected from oxo or NH₂, withthe proviso that, when R² is oxo, R¹ is NH and the bond represented bythe dashed line (

), in conjunction with the solid line to which it is parallel, is asingle bond; and with the proviso that, when R² is NH₂, R¹ is N and thebond represented by the dashed line (

), in conjunction with the solid line to which it is parallel, is adouble bond; R³ is selected from the group of H, F, CH₂F, CHF₂, and CF₃;R⁵ is selected from the group of CN, unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄alkyl substituted with 1, 2, or 3 halogens, C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted with1 substituent selected from —S—CH₃ and —O—CH₃, C₂-C₄ alkenyl, C₂-C₄alkynyl, unsubstituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl substituted by1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from F and CH₃; R^(4′) is selected fromthe group of H, —C(═O)R⁶, —C(═O)OR⁶, and —C(═O)NR⁶R⁷; R⁴ is selectedfrom the group of H, —C(═O)R⁶, —C(═O)OR⁶, and —C(═O)NR⁶R⁷; or c) R⁴ is agroup of the formula:

wherein: each Y is O, S, NR, ⁺N(O)(R), N(OR), ⁺N(O)(OR), or N—NR₂; andW¹ and W², when taken together, are —Y³(C(R^(y))₂)₃Y³—; or one of W¹ orW² together with R^(4′) is —Y³— and the other of W¹ or W² is Formula Ia;or W¹ and W² are each, independently, a group of the Formula Ia:

wherein: each Y¹ is, independently, O, S, NR, ⁺N(O)(R), N(OR),⁺N(O)(OR), or N—NR^(2;) each Y² is independently a bond, O, CR₂,—O—CR₂—, NR, ⁺N(O)(R), N(OR), ⁺N(O)(OR), N—NR₂, S, S—S, S(O), or S(O)₂;each Y³ is a single bond; M1 is 0, 1, 2, or 3; each R^(x) isindependently R^(y) or the formula:

wherein: each M2a, M2b, and M2c is independently 0 or 1; M2d is 0, 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12; each R^(y) is independently H, F, Cl,Br, I, OH, R, —C(═Y¹)R, —C(═Y¹)OR, —C(═Y¹)N(R)₂, —N(R)₂, —⁺N(R)₃, —SR,—S(O)R, —S(O)₂R, —S(O)(OR), —S(O)₂(OR), —OC(═Y¹)R, —OC(═Y¹)OR,—OC(═Y¹)(N(R)₂), —SC(═Y¹)R, —SC(═Y¹)OR, —SC(═Y¹)(N(R)₂), —N(R)C(═Y¹)R,—N(R)C(═Y¹)OR, —N(R)C(═Y¹)N(R)₂, —SO₂NR₂, —CN, —N₃, —NO₂, —OR, or W³; orwhen taken together, two R^(y) on the same carbon atom form acarbocyclic ring having 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 carbon ring atoms; or whentaken together, two R^(y) on the same carbon atom form along with thecarbon atom a heterocycle having 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 ring atoms wherein onering atom is selected from O or N and all other ring atoms are carbon;each R is independently H, (C₁-C₈) alkyl, (C₁-C₈) substituted alkyl,(C₂-C₈)alkenyl, (C₂-C₈) substituted alkenyl, (C₂-C₈) alkynyl, (C₂-C₈)substituted alkynyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ substituted aryl, a 3- to10-membered heterocycle, a substituted 3- to 10-membered heterocycle, a5- to 12-membered heteroaryl, a substituted 5- to 12-memberedheteroaryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, orsubstituted heteroarylalkyl; and W³ is W⁴ or W⁵; W⁴ is R, —C(Y¹)R^(y),—C(Y¹)W⁵, —SO₂R^(y), or —SO₂W⁵; W⁵ is selected from phenyl, naphthyl, aC₃-C₈ carbocycle, or a 3- to 10-membered heterocycle, wherein W⁵ isindependently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 R^(Y) groups; eachR⁶ and R⁷ is independently H, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl,(C₂-C₈)alkynyl, (C₄-C₈)carbocyclylalkyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ substitutedaryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, substituted 5- to 10-memberedheteroaryl, —C(═O)(C₁-C₈)alkyl, —S(O),(C₁-C₈)alkyl or aryl(C₁-C₈)alkyl;or R⁶ and R⁷ taken together with a nitrogen to which they are bothattached form a 3- to 7- membered heterocycle wherein any one ringcarbon atom of said heterocycle can optionally be replaced with —O—, —S—or —NR^(a)—; and wherein each (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl,(C₂-C₈)alkynyl or aryl(C₁-C₈)alkyl of each R⁶ or R⁷ is, independently,optionally substituted with one, two, three, or four substituentsselected from halo, hydroxy, CN, N₃, N(R^(a))₂ or OR^(a); and whereinone, two, or three of the non-terminal carbon atoms of each said(C₁-C₈)alkyl may be optionally replaced with —O—, —S— or —NR^(a)—; or b)R⁴ is a group selected from:

wherein: R⁸ is selected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl,

R⁹ is selected from H and CH₃; R¹⁰ is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;R^(10′) is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl; or R¹⁰ and R^(10′), togetherwith the carbon atom to which they are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or6-membered spirocycle wherein all ring atoms of the spirocycle arecarbon; or R¹⁰ and R^(10′), together with the carbon atom to which theyare bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-membered spirocycle wherein 1 or 2 ofthe ring atoms of the spirocycle are selected from the group of O, S,and N, and all other ring atoms of the spirocycle are carbon; R¹¹ isselected from H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, —CH₂-C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, —CH₂CH₂—S—C(O)—C₃-C₆ alkyl,

R^(7′) is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, —O—C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, —O-benzyl,—CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and CF₃; or e) R⁴ and R^(4′) combine to form thestructure selected from:


2. A compound according to claim 1 of Formula (II), or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

wherein R³, R⁴, R^(4′), and R⁵ are as defined in claim
 1. 3. A compoundaccording to claim 1 of Formula (III), or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof:

wherein R³, R⁴, R^(4′), and R⁵ are as defined in claim
 1. 4. A compoundaccording to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,wherein R^(4′) is hydrogen.
 5. A compound according to claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein wherein R⁵ is selectedfrom the group of CN, unsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkyl, C₁-C₃ alkyl substitutedwith 1, 2, or 3 halogens selected from F and Cl, C₁-C₃ alkyl substitutedwith 1 substituent selected from —S—CH₃ and —O—CH₃, C₂-C₃ alkenyl, C₂-C₃alkynyl, unsubstituted C₃-C₅ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₅ cycloalkyl substituted by1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from F and CH₃;
 6. A compound accordingto claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R³ ishydrogen.
 7. A compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein R³ is F.
 8. A compound according toclaim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R³ andR⁴ are both hydrogen.
 9. A compound according to claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R³, R⁴, and R^(4′) areeach hydrogen.
 10. A compound according to claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R³ is F and R⁴ andR^(4′) are each hydrogen.
 11. A compound according to claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R³ is selected fromthe group of H and F; R⁵ is selected from the group of CN, methyl,ethyl, propyl, vinyl, propenyl, ethynyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CH₂Cl, CH₂SMe,—CH₂OMe, and cyclopropyl; R⁴ is H; and R^(4′) is hydrogen.
 12. Acompound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, wherein R⁴ is selected from:

wherein: n′ is selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; R⁷ is selected from C₁-C₈alkyl, —O—C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, —O-benzyl, —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl,—O—CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and CF₃; R⁷′ is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl,—O—C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, —O-benzyl, —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and CF₃; R⁸ isselected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl,

R⁹ is selected from H and CH₃; R¹⁰ is selected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;R¹¹ is selected from H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and—CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.
 13. A compound according to claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R⁴ is selected from:

wherein: R⁷ is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, —O—C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, and—CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; R^(7′) is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, —O—C₁-C₈alkyl, benzyl, —O-benzyl, —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and CF₃; R¹⁰ isselected from H or C₁-C₆ alkyl; R^(10′) is selected from H or C₁-C₆alkyl; or R¹⁰ and R^(10′), together with the carbon atom to which theyare bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-membered spirocycle wherein all ringatoms of the spirocycle are carbon; or R¹° and R¹⁰′, together with thecarbon atom to which they are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-memberedspirocycle wherein 1 or 2 of the ring atoms of the spirocycle areselected from the group of O, S, and N, and all other ring atoms of thespirocycle are carbon; and R¹¹ is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl,C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and —CH₂-C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.
 14. A compound according toclaim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R³ isselected from the group of H and F; R^(4′) is hydrogen; R⁵ is selectedfrom the group of CN, methyl, ethyl, propyl, vinyl, propenyl, ethynyl,CH₂F, CHF₂, CH₂Cl, CH₂SMe, —CH₂OMe, and cyclopropyl; and R⁴ is selectedfrom the group of:

wherein: R⁷ is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, —O—C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl, and—CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; and R¹¹ is selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, benzyl,C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, and —CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.
 15. A compound according toclaim 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R⁴ isselected from:


16. A compound of claim 1 selected from the group of:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 17. A compound of claim 1of the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 18. A compound of claim 1of the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 19. A method of treatingPneumovirinae virus infection in a human, the method comprisingadministering to the human a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 20.A method of treating human respiratory syncytial virus infection in ahuman, the method comprising administering to the human atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 21. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier orexcipient.